Press Conference Marks Groundbreaking for Renovation of 76 Permanent Supportive Housing Units at Historic O’Hern House

ATLANTA (Sept. 24, 2025) – Community leaders, housing advocates, and partners gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking renovation of the historic O’Hern House, a 76-unit apartment building in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood that provides permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

Operated by The 3Keys, Inc., O’Hern House serves residents who often face the dual challenges of severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and substance use disorders (SUDs). The $5.4 million rehabilitation project will preserve the building’s legacy while modernizing it to better serve its residents for decades to come.

“This project is about dignity, stability, and opportunity,” said Scott Walker, President/CEO of The 3Keys, Inc. “Our residents—many of whom have experienced homelessness—deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care and support. The renovation of O’Hern House will make that possible.”

The press conference featured remarks from Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari (City of Atlanta, District 5), Leonard L. Adams, Jr. (CEO, Quest CDC), and Scott Walker (President/CEO, The 3Keys, Inc.). Guests also had the opportunity to tour the building before renovations officially begin.

Council member Bakhtiari praised the project’s long-term vision:“O’Hern House has been a lifeline in this community for decades, and with today’s renovation, it recommits itself to decades more. Atlanta’s commitment to permanent supportive housing cannot be a passing moment—it has to be a lasting covenant. The team behind O’Hern House understands this responsibility, and this is yet another example of its promise.”

Renovation Details

The year-long rehab will include:

• A complete reconfiguration of the first level and refreshed residential rooms

• New fixtures, furnishings, and upgraded HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems for improved energy efficiency

• Renovated amenities including a full-service industrial kitchen (serving three meals daily), lounges, laundry rooms, game room, library, and community space

Residents, who have temporarily relocated, are expected to return in fall 2026 once renovations are complete.

Historic Significance & Partnerships

Originally built in the early 1900s as the Red Seal Shoe Factory, the building was converted into O’Hern House in 1993. Today’s rehab effort has been made possible through the collaboration of several partners:

• Development Partner: QuestCDC

• Architect: James Thomas Designs, LLC (Jim Viviano)

• Construction Project Manager: Carla Cooper

• Owner: The 3Keys, Inc.

• Support Service Provider: Community Friendship, Inc.

The project is primarily funded through a $5.4 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget (OPB).

Broader Impact

3Keys currently manages 477 permanent supportive housing units across six properties in Atlanta. Its holistic model provides wraparound services including case management, counseling, life skills training, peer support, transportation, food support, and more. This approach has resulted in a housing stability rate of 85% or higher, surpassing HUD’s national benchmark of 80%.

With the renovation of O’Hern House, 3Keys and its partners are building on this proven model, ensuring more individuals have access to safe housing and supportive services that foster long-term independence.