Alonzo Mourning’s affordable housing mission reaches senior citizens(Getty Images)
Alonzo Mourning was approached about affordable housing in South Florida around 2015, after retiring from the NBA and spending years involved in community work. At 12, Mourning entered foster care after his parents separated and was raised by Fannie Threet, a retired teacher who had fostered nearly 50 children. In 2017, Mourning launched AM Affordable Housing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and partnered with Housing Trust Group to develop affordable housing for families and senior citizens. The partnership later expanded across Florida and into Texas, eventually putting 15 properties into construction, development or the approval process. Mourning retired from the NBA in 2008 after a 15-year career with the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat. He won an NBA championship with Miami in 2006. AM Affordable Housing was established in 2017 and entered a partnership with Housing Trust Group. The $23 million development contained 84 one- to three-bedroom apartments. At the time, rents were capped at $990 a month. Mourning said more than 3,000 people initially applied for the apartments. By 2025, AM Affordable Housing and HTG had 15 properties under construction, in development or approved in Miami-Dade County, Overtown, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and other communities. The organisations expanded into Texas in 2024 with a 56-unit apartment complex in Lubbock. In May 2025, AM Affordable Housing and HTG completed Astoria on 9th in Bradenton, Florida. The five-story development cost $37.4 million and contains 120 apartments for older, low-income residents. The one- and two-bedroom apartments have rents ranging from $322 to $1,316 a month. The project received more than $17 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It also received more than $9 million in State Apartment Incentive Loans and $600,000 in extremely low-income loans, along with other loans and subsidies. A 2025 University of Florida report estimated that the state had nearly 900,000 low-income, cost-burdened renters. Nearly 350,000 of them were 55 or older, according to the report. The report also estimated a shortage of almost 100,000 affordable units for low-income renters in Florida. Its 120 units add another development to a partnership that has already moved beyond its first Florida project and into another state. AM Affordable Housing was formed in 2017, the partnership with HTG expanded across multiple communities, and Astoria on 9th later added 120 senior apartments with rents beginning at $322. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
“These are real stories,” Mourning said. “There’s a shortage of 7 million affordable houses across the country,” he said. “Your legacy should be defined by what you do for your neighbor … the impact that you had on other people’s lives,” Mourning said. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines “Basketball is temporary, eventually that ball stops bouncing,” Mourning said.
His own childhood had given him a personal connection to the need for stable housing. Mourning was born in Chesapeake, Virginia, to teenage parents. After his parents separated, he was placed with Threet, a family friend who had spent years fostering children. After leaving basketball, his philanthropic work became a larger part of his professional life. His entry into affordable housing came several years later when contacts from his philanthropy and time with the Heat led to an opportunity in South Florida. HTG took responsibility for development, architecture and management. The nonprofit worked on funding opportunities, including subsidies and tax credits that could help reduce construction costs. Mourning became involved in the development process, approving interior designs, identifying Community Reinvestment Act opportunities and meeting with landowners and state officials during approvals. The partnership’s first project was Courtside Apartments in Overtown, north of downtown Miami. Demand quickly exceeded the number of available units. He has also spoken about the people who rely on affordable housing, including veterans, people who have experienced homelessness and older residents whose main income comes from Social Security. “These are people that aren’t looking for a handout, they just need a little bit of help. The partnership continued developing properties in South Florida. Mourning has also expressed interest in eventually bringing the work to Virginia. The development includes a clubroom, cyber café with a catering kitchen, fitness centre, surface parking and a dog park. Residents can also access adult literacy training, housekeeping assistance and grocery support. The development was completed as Florida continued to face a shortage of affordable housing. Mourning has pointed to the national shortage as another reason for expanding affordable housing projects. “You can’t build them fast enough. Astoria on 9th is the largest project highlighted in his housing work so far. Mourning has connected the work to the experience of having a home during his childhood. He has credited Threet, along with teachers, coaches and other people who supported him, with helping shape his life after foster care. He has also described the work as part of the legacy he wants to build after basketball. The former NBA star began his post-playing career with philanthropy before entering affordable housing in South Florida. “So, OK, what are you going to do with your life after that? The Astoria on 9th project shows how that effort has grown beyond individual donations into long-term housing development, with affordable homes designed around the needs of older residents. Mourning has spoken about eventually taking the model into more communities, carrying forward the lesson he learned as a child that having a safe place to call home can change the direction of a life. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Alonzo Mourning’s Legacy and Philanthropic Impact
Alonzo Mourning, who was raised by Threet, a guardian who cared for nearly 50 children, credits her with saving his life and providing him a home. Mourning left for Georgetown University at 18, where he played under Hall of Fame coach John Thompson.
Mourning’s upbringing significantly shaped his philanthropic efforts. In 1997, he established the Mourning Family Foundation, which focuses on community development and youth programs. In 2009, he further contributed to education by helping to create the Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School.