Georgia NBA Legend Gives 25 Families a Year of FREE RENT!

Rent is no longer a worry for these Atlanta residents, thanks to an unexpected gift from a Georgia sports hero. 🌐 #News #AtlantaGA #Georgia #UpliftingNews

ATLANTA, GA — A former NBA icon is stepping up for struggling Atlanta, Georgia families, offering a powerful solution to the crushing burden of rent. Dominique Wilkins, the nine-time NBA All-Star and current Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Atlanta Hawks, alongside his wife Jedidia, has pledged full rental support to 25 local households through FreeRent ATL — a nonprofit designed to help renters reclaim their footing.

Basketball Great Tackles Real-Life Housing Crisis

Wilkins, known for his powerful dunks and legendary career, is now using his influence to confront an issue that affects thousands in his city: unaffordable housing. With rent taking more than 42% of the average Atlanta renter’s income — far above the federal threshold of affordability — many families are just one setback away from eviction.

That’s exactly what the Wilkinses are working to prevent.

The FreeRent ATL initiative doesn’t stop at covering rent. It also offers wraparound support services to empower recipients toward long-term financial stability. Jedidia Wilkins emphasized that most families simply lack a financial cushion, often with less than $650 in savings. The couple believes that by eliminating rent for a year and pairing it with financial coaching and resources, families can start to build wealth and avoid future housing emergencies.

From Hotel Room to Family Home

One of this year’s beneficiaries, Derrick, knows the weight of that struggle all too well. After losing his wife to cancer, Derrick became the sole caretaker for their six children. The family had been living in a hotel, but thanks to FreeRent ATL and its partnership with groups like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, they were moved into a stable home through the Roots housing network. Since the move, the children now have health coverage and a safe place to play — and Derrick is finally saving for their future.

A Model That’s Growing

The FreeRent initiative originated with the Roots Real Estate Investment Community, a group that invites everyday people to invest in real estate with as little as $100. Their innovative “Live in it Like You Own it” program even lets renters build equity in the homes they occupy.

With plans to expand FreeRent to Los Angeles this fall, the impact is only growing — proving that housing support, when done right, can change everything.

Did You Know?

Over 10 million U.S. renter households spend more than half their income on rent, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard (2023).
Atlanta’s median rent increased by more than 15% between 2021 and 2023, outpacing wage growth (Zillow Research).
Children in stable housing are 20% more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to experience behavioral health issues (National Low Income Housing Coalition).

Moment for Reflection

In a world that often demands we fend for ourselves, it’s deeply moving to witness someone use their success to lift others. Dominique and Jedidia Wilkins didn’t just give money — they gave peace, stability, and a second chance. It’s a reminder that true generosity is about seeing others through their hardest moments and believing in the power of community. When we reach out in love, even the biggest burdens become lighter.

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RELATED TOPICS: Georgia | Heartwarming | Sports