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A Glimpse Into a Full Schedule of Service and Impact Across District 3 and DeKalb
Commissioner Massiah’s calendar is always moving — from early morning briefings to late evening community events — all in service of the people of DeKalb. What follows is just a snapshot of the engagements, appearances, and behind-the-scenes work that reflect her commitment to showing up, speaking up, and standing with every corner of the county.
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DeKalb Commits $8 Million to Park 500, A Landmark Step for Transitional Housing
As Chair of the Planning, Economic Development & Community Services (PECS) Committee — the body that oversees housing initiatives in DeKalb — Commissioner Nicole Massiah played a key role in advancing the County’s first direct investment and ownership stake in a transitional housing development. The unanimously approved $8 million investment will secure 60 fully renovated, furnished units at Park 500 in Stone Mountain, reserved for unhoused and housing insecure families — many currently relying on extended stay motels for shelter.
Commissioner Massiah was pivotal in ensuring the county’s actions aligned with the goal: delivering homes and services that truly support the needs of DeKalb.
“Being in service to DeKalb County takes many skills and experiences… but housing security is where stability begins. It’s the foundation that allows families to focus on education, health, work, and dignity. This investment is about more than buildings — it’s about restoring pathways to possibility.”
Park 500 is located near Memorial Drive and Hambrick Road, with access to public transportation and wraparound services that include case management, employment assistance, healthcare access, and childcare support. These services will be administered in coordination with the Housing Authority of DeKalb County and other nonprofit partners, with DeKalb’s Community Development Department managing resident intake and placement.
To ensure long-term impact, the County will dedicate any future cash flow from Park 500 to a reinvestment fund supporting services and housing cost subsidies for vulnerable families.
“The job of serving DeKalb has many faces — infrastructure, small business, public safety — but housing is where it all begins. This initiative meets urgent needs today while setting a new long-term standard for how we show up for our residents,” said Commissioner Nicole Massiah.
With families projected to move in as early as December 2025, Park 500 signals a new era in DeKalb’s approach to housing security — one rooted in dignity, stability, and community investment.
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National Spotlight: Commissioner Massiah Serves as DeKalb Voting Delegate at NACo’s 90th Annual Conference
Commissioner Nicole Massiah represented DeKalb County as its official voting delegate at the 90th Annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference — a national gathering that brings together county leaders from across the country to share solutions, shape policy, and strengthen federal advocacy on behalf of local communities.
As the only national organization representing county governments in the United States, NACo plays a key role in influencing decisions that directly impact residents — from infrastructure and housing to healthcare access and public safety.
At this year’s conference, DeKalb’s endorsed candidate for NACo Second Vice President, Alisha Bell, secured a decisive victory with 75% of the vote — a testament to strong county leadership and coalition-building.
By participating, Commissioner Massiah ensured that District 3 remains informed, represented, and engaged in the broader legislative and policy developments that affect the lives of DeKalb families every day.
In addition to her role as voting delegate, Commissioner Massiah participated in workshops and policy sessions alongside commissioners from across the country — gaining valuable insight on best practices in housing, public safety, and economic development. Her engagement reflects a commitment not just to representation, but to continuous learning and collaboration on behalf of District 3.
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Commissioner Massiah Partners with The Stewart Foundation To Present The White Linen Youth Event 2025
On July 19, Commissioner Nicole Massiah joined community leaders, families, and youth at the Stewart Foundation’s 2025 Youth White Linen Event, a gathering centered on empowerment, purpose, and the power of showing up for the next generation.
With this year’s theme, “Embrace Your Superpower,” the event celebrated the excellence and potential of young people across DeKalb County. As part of the program, Commissioner Massiah awarded the Benjamin Curtis Jones Memorial Scholarship — a tribute to an extraordinary young leader whose life reflected brilliance, service, and vision.
Benjamin Curtis Jones, the late President Emeritus of the Stewart Foundation’s Youth Cabinet, left a lasting legacy of leadership and service before his passing. A biomedical engineering student at Alabama State University, was a scholar, musician, and community servant whose impact continues to resonate. The scholarship in his honor uplifts students who share his drive for academic achievement, innovation, and social change.
Commissioner Massiah proudly presented the 2025 District 3 Scholarship award to Kennedy Jones, acknowledging not just her academic journey, but the leadership, strength, and purpose she embodies.
“As a Commissioner and as a mother,” she shared in her remarks, “my commitment to this work is personal. Our job is to make sure DeKalb is strong enough to hold your vision — and to celebrate you every step of the way.”
The Youth White Linen event, now a staple in the community thanks to the ongoing work of Hank Stewart and the Stewart Foundation, offered young people a moment of affirmation — reminding them that their stories matter, and their futures are worth investing in.
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Honoring 25 Years of Service: Neighbor in Need
On July 22, Commissioner Nicole Massiah issued an official proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of Neighbor in Need, a nonprofit whose impact has quietly transformed the lives of senior homeowners across DeKalb County.
Since 2000, Neighbor in Need has provided critical, emergency home repairs for low-income elderly residents — services like plumbing, roofing, HVAC, pest control, and electrical work — all at no cost to the homeowner. The program is 100% volunteer-run and powered by donations, community partnerships, and compassion.
In just the past few years, the organization has delivered over $1.2 million in direct services, helping more than 400 seniors and their families stay in their homes safely and with dignity. In 2025 alone, over $220,000 in repairs have already been completed.
“These aren’t cosmetic upgrades,” Commissioner Massiah noted. “These are critical repairs that restore safety, restore comfort, and restore peace of mind.”
As she continues to advocate for aging in place and equitable housing support, Commissioner Massiah reaffirmed her interest in expanding the Neighbor in Need model into more communities across District 3 and beyond.
Neighbor in Need is proof of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose — and a reminder that when one neighbor is in need, we all have a role to play.
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