What was the first federally funded public housing project in the United States?

The first federally funded public housing projects created in the United States were created in Atlanta Ga under the Public Works Administration. They were conceived of together and included Techwood Homes for whites (completed 1936) and University Homes for blacks (completed 1937).

Why is the first public housing project created by Atlanta Housing cited as John Hope Homes?

Both Techwood Homes (1936) and University Homes (1937) were completed under the Progress Works Administration (PWA). Until 1937, all public housing in the United States fell under the control of the PWA's Housing Division. With the passing of the Wagner-Steagall Act, this control moved to the newly created United States Housing Authority (USHA) under the Department of the Interior. At the same time, most of the administration was decentralized to local housing authorities. In 1938, Atlanta's Board of Aldermen created the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta. Overseen by a five-member board of commissioners appointed by the Mayor, it was otherwise politically independent from the city. Charles F. Palmer was elected the first chairman of the Board of Commissioners. After its creation in 1938, AH took over the management of Techwood and University Homes in 1940 and petitioned Washington for funds to construct new housing. During the three years preceding the war, six new housing projects were completed. John Hope Homes was the first housing project completed under the administration of Atlanta Housing in 1940.

When were the public housing projects desegregated in Atlanta?

In the early years of public housing in Atlanta, all housing projects were segregated by race. White families occupied Techwood, Clark Howell, Capitol and Harris Homes communities. Black families resided in John Hope, University, Grady, Eagan, Herndon, Carver and Perry Homes projects. In the 1960s, due to the federal legislative changes, racial segregation was gradually abandoned and on June 30, 1964, Jesse Blayton, a former member of the Negro Advisory Committee to Atlanta Housing, was appointed to the AH Board as its first black commissioner.

How do I learn more about historical records held at the Atlanta Housing Archives or request a high resolution photograph?

Please visit the webpage for the Atlanta Housing Archives There you will find our policies and finding aids for archival records. You may also contact AHAArchives[at}atlantahousing.org