Affectionately known as Lillie, or Momma, Ms. Randle is well known at the Lakewood Christian Manor senior facility. At 95 years old, she stays busy exercising, dancing and even jumping rope, though, she claims, not like she used to. Most of all, Ms. Randle likes being with other people.

Ms. Randle is an Atlanta native. She lived in the same house for much of her life, was brought up in the church, sang in the choir, raised seven children and worked as a receptionist for the Atlanta Lung Association for 25 years. After her husband passed and her children were grown, Ms. Randle was in search of a retirement home. At Lakewood Christian Manor, she found a sense of community.

“Everyone is kind and treats me with respect,” says Ms. Randle. “I like it here. It’s real nice.”

Ms. Randle has called Lakewood Christian Manor home since 1990. She lived on the ninth floor for 30 years but moved to the second floor after a recent renovation made possible by a $17.5 million tax-exempt loan from Invest Atlanta. Maintaining affordability was a key component of Lakewood's renovation, which includes 21 units at 30% area median income (AMI), 154 units at 50% AMI and 75 units at 60% AMI.

This type of affordability is a strategic priority for Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta, which has a goal to create and preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030. And it’s crucial for legacy residents, ensuring they can remain in their communities amid rapid growth and rising home prices. For Ms. Randle, it allows her to continue to thrive in the place she loves and spend time with the people she loves – one of which includes her daughter, who moved to Lakewood a few years ago.

“I was taught to be kind, have a strong faith in God and treat everyone right,” says Ms. Randle. “The Lakewood community treats me right, and I appreciate that.”