local
Why lived experience matters in philanthropy and housing advocacy
By Bambie Hayes-Brown at SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news)
· June 25, 2026
· 5 min read
At a recent Day at the Capitol event, a reporter asked whether I knew a renter who had experienced habitability problems.
I answered, “What do you want to know?”
The reporter asked again: “Do you know someone who has experienced or is currently experiencing habitability problems?”
I rep...
Key takeaway Bambie Hayes-Brown is president CEO of Georgia Advancing Communities Together.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The struggle for safe and affordable housing in Atlanta is a stark reality that many advocates face in their personal lives. As the president CEO of Georgia Advancing Communities Together notes, the line between professional work and personal reality is painfully thin, especially for Black women. This dynamic is particularly relevant in Atlanta, where the city's rapid growth and gentrification have led to skyrocketing housing costs and displacement of long-time residents. The experience of living in an extended stay motel, as described, is a common plight for many in the metro Atlanta area who cannot afford the city's rising rents. The fact that affordability without habitability is not true housing justice resonates deeply in a city where code enforcement and maintenance issues are ongoing concerns. As Atlanta continues to grapple with its housing crisis, it is crucial to center the voices and experiences of those who are most affected, including grassroots advocates who are fighting for change while navigating their own housing insecurity.
About this story
Original reporting by SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? At a recent Day at the Capitol event, a reporter asked whether I knew a renter who had experienced habitability problems.
I answered, “What do you want to know?”
The reporter asked again: “Do you know someone who has experienced or is currently experiencing habitability problems?”
I rep...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bambie Hayes-Brown at SaportaReport (Atlanta civic/news). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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