Updated  September 24, 2025

Support for Rental Arrears, Eviction Prevention, and Housing Stability

STATEWIDE

FindHelp.org and 2‑1‑1 Online Directory

  • Listings of social service programs, including rental‑payment support.
  • Use keywords “help pay for housing” in your ZIP code
  • https://findhelpga.org/

Georgia Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

  • The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)runs the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (formerly Section 8), which provides rental subsidies for low-income individuals, including veterans.
  • More Info: Visit the Affordable Housing Hub

BCM Georgia (Benevolence Community Ministry, Inc.)

  • Offers emergency assistance, supportive housing referrals, and financial education aimed at improving housing stability bcmgeorgia.org

Georgia Legal Services Program

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)

  • Offers free legal representation and education to tenants facing eviction
  • Non‑profit expanding services city‑wide, having assisted roughly 800 households since 2022
  • Information: AVLF website

FreeRent Program (Partner‑delivered assistance)

  • FreeRent Grant: Up to one year of rental assistance and wraparound support for families facing unexpected hardship
  • Delivered through partner non‑profits
  • Includes financial stability coaching and education services
  • More information online here

Housing Choice Voucher Program

  • The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), formerly known as Section 8, is a tenant-based rental assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families rent safe, decent, and affordable dwelling units in the private rental market.
  • More info: GA Housing Choice website

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia

  • Provides rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to at-risk individuals and families across the metro area.
  • Call 678-892-6163 and enter your ZIP code to find your local conference.
  • Website

GEORGIAHOUSINGSEARCH.ORG

 

ATLANTA/FULTON COUNTY

Housing Justice League – Tenant Support

  • Offers an Eviction Defense Manual, Tenant Hotline (404‑941‑9494) for legal guidance, mediation support, and information on tenant rights.
  • More information.

Fulton County Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

  • Administered by: Fulton County Community Development
  • Services: Rental assistance, security and utility deposit coverage, housing inspections, lease support
  • Eligibility: Low- and moderate-income residents; funded by HOME grants from HUD
  • Information: TBRA online

City of Atlanta Housing Help Center

  • Who administers: City of Atlanta, Office of Mayor
  • Services: Intake, navigation to non‑profit partner programs offering emergency rental and utility assistance, eviction diversion, relocation support, legal referrals
  • Eligibility: Prioritized for households earning ≤ 60 % of Area Median Income (AMI) (approximately $43,000 for one person or $62,000 for four-person household), though resource listings are open to all Atlanta city residents
  • How to apply: Complete an intake form online or call (404) 492‑7640; callback typically within 7–10 business days

Midtown Assistance Center (MAC)

 

DeKALB COUNTY

DeKalb County Tenant‑Landlord Assistance Coalition (TLAC)

  • Who administers: DeKalb County funded partially by federal Emergency Rental Assistance grants
  • Services: Rent arrearages, utility arrears, internet, other housing-related expenses incurred during COVID-19
  • Eligibility: Income up to 80 % of AMI (e.g. $66,150 for a family of four); must submit application with household income and hardship documentation

DeKalb Integrated Community Care Initiative (ICCI)

  • A $13 million county-wide program offering financial aid for rent, utilities, housing instability, and eviction-related legal services.
  • Apply via: ICCI hotline at 404‑371‑6333 or relevant nonprofits (Atlanta Legal Aid, DeKalb Pro Bono, Urban League, St. Vincent de Paul, etc.) DeKalb County GA+15imaniwithin+15Nicholas House+15.

DeKalb County Coordinated Entry (Continuum of Care)

  • Provides intake, case management, eviction prevention services, security/utility deposit assistance, and permanent supportive housing.
  • Contact: Coordinated Entry at 404‑687‑3500 DeKalb County GA.

Nicholas House Prevention Services

  • Provides short-term rental arrears support, landlord mediation, and benefit navigation for families with children living in DeKalb County.
  • Contact: 404‑622‑0793

Eviction Legal Defense Fund

  • A county-run fund offering free legal representation to residents facing eviction, prioritized to low-income households.
  • Contact: Commissioner Ted Terry’s office

 

CLAYTON COUNTY

Clayton County Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program

  • Clayton County offers an Emergency Rental Assistance program for eligible tenants and landlords. This program helps cover rent and utility costs for those facing financial hardship.
  • How to Apply: Visit relief.claytoncountyga.gov or call 770-347-0212 to schedule an appointment or get help with the application

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Douglas County Housing Authority

  • Offers affordable housing units (families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities) in Douglasville.
  • Located at 8700 Hospital Dr., Douglasville, GA 30134; Phone: 770‑949‑2000 https://www.douglascountyhousing.com/.

Douglasville Community & Social Services Resource Center

St. Vincent de Paul (Douglas County)

Sweetwater Mission

Tallatoona Community Action Partnership

  • Offers utility assistance, family support, employment and education services.
  • Phone: 770‑817‑4666 ext. 4
  • https://tallatoonacap.org/

Warehouse of Hope

Douglas County Women’s Shelter

  • Faith-based transitional housing for women and children (up to 90-day stay). Appointment required; $50 deposit, GA ID, SS number, clean background.
  • Phone: 770‑949‑4911
  • https://sharehousedouglas.com/

BCM Georgia

  • Provides emergency housing assistance, supportive housing, and financial education.
  • Ideal for individuals or families in immediate financial need.
  • https://bcmgeorgia.org/

 

HENRY COUNTY

Connecting Henry, Inc.

  • Emergency rent, utility, and housing stability assistance
  • Phone: (770) 274 3642
  • Website: www.connectinghenry.org

Salvation Army – Henry County

  • Grants for rent, utilities, and move-in costs
  • Location: 401 Racetrack Rd, McDonough, GA
  • Phone: (770) 957 8868

St. Vincent de Paul Society (Georgia)

  • Eviction prevention and rental aid
  • Phone: (678) 892 6163
  • Website: www.svdpgeorgia.org

Samaritans Together of Henry County

  • Short-term rental help and motel vouchers
  • Phone: (678) 565 6526

Free legal aid for low-income individuals facing eviction:

  • McDonough Legal Aid Society
    Phone: (404) 524‑5811

Henry County Housing Authority

  • Provides Section 8 vouchers and public housing
  • Address: 345 Simpson St, McDonough, GA
  • Phone: (770) 957 4494

 

GWINNETT COUNTY

HomeFirst Gwinnett / Coordinated Entry System

  • HomeFirst serves as the central intake and referral hub for individuals and families at risk of eviction or homelessness. They assess your needs and connect you with local resources.
  • Phone: 770‑847‑6765
  • Website: gwinnettcares.org

Atlanta Legal Aid – Eviction Prevention Initiative (EPI)

  • Helps tenants apply for state rental assistance and provides legal help to avoid eviction.
  • Phone (Gwinnett Office): 678‑376‑4545
  • Website: atlantalegalaid.org
  • Note: Access is via a monthly lottery system for appointments.

United Way 2‑1‑1 and Gwinnett Helpline

  • Provides referrals to rental, utility, and emergency assistance programs across the county.
  • Phone (Dial): 2‑1‑1
  • Gwinnett Helpline: 770‑995‑3339
  • Eviction Guide: cfneg.org Eviction Guide

Legal Aid and Tenant Rights Resources

  • Atlanta Legal Aid (Gwinnett): Legal help with eviction and housing
    • Phone: 678‑376‑4545
    • Website: atlantalegalaid.org

Gwinnett Cares Eviction Guide:

  • Covers the legal eviction process, tenant rights, timelines, and how to respond to a court summons
  • Guide: cfneg.org/gwinnett-cares-eviction-guide

Lawrenceville-Specific Programs

  • For residents living in the City of Lawrenceville:
  • Lawrenceville Response Center: Emergency shelter and rent assistance for city residents
  • Round‑Up Program: Utility bill assistance via Lawrenceville Utilities
  • Website: lawrencevillega.org

 

VETERANS

VA Atlanta – Homeless Veteran Care

  • Location: VA Atlanta Medical Center
  • Contact: Dawn Kentish, Acting HCHV Director
  • Services:
    • Rental assistance through HUD‑VASH (voucher + case support)
    • Emergency housing & health care
    • Direct connection to SSVF, shelters, and crisis teams
  • Information: VA Healthcare website

HUD‑VASH (VA + HUD)

  • Combines Section 8 housing voucher with case management
  • Helps veterans with:
    • Rental arrears
    • Long-term housing stability
    • Clinical and supportive services
  • Apply through VA Homeless Services Coordinator

Southern Crescent Veteran Services Inc.

    • Provide Veterans with access to quality benefits, resources, services, and financial support.

    • Address: 950 Eagles Landing Parkway, Suite 663, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
    • Phone: 678-210-1911
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Hours:Monday – Thursday 8AM to 2PM

 

Tips & Steps to Take Quickly

  1. Respond to the eviction notice immediately.
  2. Keep notices, rent ledgers, proof of income changes, correspondence with your landlord, and any hardship documentation.
  3. Apply to assistance programs right away. Funds are often limited and awarded first come, first served.
  4. Don’t move out before your hearing unless forced. You may lose legal defenses if you vacate prematurely.
  5. Ask your local county or city office (e.g. in Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett) for their specific eviction relief or housing offices (some suburbs have local programs).
  6. Use 211 as a catch-all referral option for connecting to smaller nonprofits or local churches that help with rent in your ZIP code.
  7. Stay persistent. Some programs open and close depending on funding. Check back often.