Residents, Community Officials Celebrate Aya Tower in East Point following $24 Million Redevelopment - Seite 2

In addition to the investment for the Aya Tower housing, UnitedHealth Group also worked to identify and recruit health services through Grady Health System, and workforce readiness training through Goodwill of North Georgia. These health and workforce development services will be made available and managed by the East Point Housing Authority in community areas within the Aya Tower building, and at its newly purchased property nearby once it has been redeveloped.

“Safe and affordable housing is key to health and wellness,” said Catherine Anderson, senior vice president of health equity strategy, UnitedHealth Group. “UnitedHealth Group is honored to support East Point residents by increasing the availability of housing, as well as supportive services that help ensure better health and wellness among residents.”

As part of its redevelopment, the Aya Tower building’s exterior will feature art to honor former East Point Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard. The Vecino Group and the EPHA commissioned a mural to honor Hilliard as someone whose service had a significant impact toward the city’s present successes.

Through her public service from 1993 through 2006, Mayor Hilliard was instrumental in uniting the community to enable enduring, positive impact by revitalizing the public library, delivering the city’s first community health clinic, and fostering relationships with civic and business leaders. Its longest-tenured mayor to date, in 1993 she made history as the first female and first African American to hold the office in the history of East Point – as well in the state.

The artwork, created by Atlanta-based artist Erica Chisolm, combines Adinkra symbols with a vibrant portrait of Mayor Hilliard, as well as her favorite saying “be true to thyself.” The team also included the Atlanta-based art collective Living Walls, which specializes in large-scale, culturally inspired public art. The seven-story piece – all painted by hand – was completed late Spring 2023.

“NAHT is honored to originate and manage UnitedHealth Group’s investment in Aya Tower,” said Lori Little, president & CEO of the National Affordable Housing Trust. “For over three decades, NAHT has helped developers create and preserve affordable homes by connecting them with impact capital investment funds. Our partnership with UnitedHealth Group has provided much-needed capital for quality homes and services, increasing positive health outcomes for families and seniors. Vecino and East Point Housing Authority are to be congratulated for restoring this much needed housing. We are honored to be a part of this effort.”