Leadership Clayton presents Home Anchor directory and mobile hygiene pilot to Forest Park council

Savon Irons Kumasa, interim planning director for Forest Park's community development department, and members of Leadership Clayton’s Class of 2026 presented “Home Anchor,” a centralized online directory designed to help residents navigate housing resources across Clayton County. The presenters said the project aims to reduce fragmentation of services and connect residents to eviction prevention, foreclosure relief and utility-assistance programs.

"An anchor has one job, to keep a ship from drifting when the waters get rough," said Dr. Natasha Hampton, a municipal government executive assisting the team, summarizing the project's purpose and its focus on access rather than direct financial aid. Presenters told the council that Clayton County experienced among the region’s highest eviction rates between 2019 and 2023 and that many renters are cost-burdened; they framed Home Anchor as a one-stop access point, with multilingual tools and AI-assisted navigation planned for the public-facing site.

Separately, Leadership Clayton Group Two briefed the council on Fresh Hope’s “Lather and Load,” a proposed mobile shower-and-laundry pilot intended to serve unhoused and vulnerable residents. Brandy Cousin Sims said the group had priced a new mobile unit at roughly $95,000 but was pursuing donated equipment and short-term rentals for pilot "Fresh Hope Days" on July 11, Aug. 15 and Oct. 10 to demonstrate the model. The group said College Park had committed $20,000 toward their effort and asked Forest Park to consider partnering or matching that support.

Council members praised both presentations and asked practical questions about operations and funding. Council member Wills noted existing county programs and urged the teams to coordinate with Clayton County Community Services; other members asked how a single mobile unit would be scheduled across multiple municipalities and requested clear cost estimates and management plans. Presenters responded that partnerships with county nonprofits are part of the operational plan and that more detailed projections and promotional materials would be provided to the city.

The presentations were formally received by council; staff and members recommended further meetings to explore partnerships, clarify roles and, if appropriate, return to council with an agreement or funding request. No city funding was committed at the meeting.