A Life Dedicated to Community

Abraham Williams came to Bowling Green in 1995 as a native of Phenix City, Alabama, to lead the Housing Authority of Bowling Green. What followed was nearly three decades of tireless service, innovative programming, and genuine love for the residents he served.

Under his leadership, HABG grew from a traditional public housing authority into a full-service community hub. He launched an after-school program, a welfare-to-work initiative, a mobile grocery store, and most recently, a residential subdivision to help low-income families become homeowners and a business accelerator for aspiring entrepreneurs. He retired on August 1, 2024, after 29 years — and passed away just over two months later at the age of 75.

What He Built

• 1995

  Arrived in Bowling Green to lead HABG, serving over 1,400 residents across 598 units of public housing.
• Late 1990s

  Launched the After-School Program — the program that would eventually bring Katie Miller to HABG as a college tutor, beginning a 23-year partnership.
• 2000s

  Expanded HABG programming to include welfare-to-work initiatives, Megan's Mobile Grocery Store, and resident self-sufficiency services.
• 2018

  Established the EnVision Center in partnership with HUD, focusing on economic empowerment, education, health, and character development.
• 2020s

  Broke ground on new initiatives — a residential subdivision for low-income homeownership and a business accelerator for community entrepreneurs.
• August 2024

  Retired after 29 years, handing the reins to Katie Miller — someone he mentored from her very first day at HABG.
• October 2024

  Passed away at age 75. "He was everyone's friend," said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. "Our entire community was blessed by his intentionality."
• November 2025

  Abraham Avenue dedicated — the street running through the HABG community was renamed in his honor at a ceremony attended by family, elected officials, and longtime friends.