Individuals and families can be struck by hardship at any time leaving them at risk of eviction from their homes. The problem was aggravated even more by the COVID-19 pandemic, where millions of people across the country faced financial difficulty and pre-existing housing inequalities were magnified. Emergency rental assistance programs in Georgia are one way to make sure those in need get necessary help.

These programs are meant to assist those facing hard times by paying all or a portion of their monthly rent and/or utilities for a specified time. The criteria for these programs vary: assisting those who meet a certain income threshold, who live in a particular county or zip code, family demographics, or those who fall into a specific age bracket.

Find out how emergency rental assistance programs in Georgia work and whether you may qualify.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) runs the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Formerly known as Section 8, this program is a tenant-based rental assistance program for low-income individuals and families, as well as older adults and people with disabilities, to rent safe and affordable dwellings.

The HCV is meant to provide improved living environments and fair housing for low-income residents. Upon applying and having an application approved, the DCA provides subsidy payments directly to the property owners on behalf of the program participants.

The HCV is administered in 149 of Georgia’s 159 counties. The DCA does not have jurisdiction in the remaining counties and similar programs are administered through their housing authority.

Applying for the HCV program involves filling out an application and submitting the required documents. Applicants are placed on a waitlist and then selected from a lottery to verify eligibility.

Local Rental Assistance Programs in Georgia

In addition to federally funded programs, The State of Georgia also offers emergency rental assistance on a local level. These agencies deliver rental assistance and other services to residents based on their county, city, or zip code. Organizations include:

Midtown Assistance Center, Inc.

With the Midtown Assistance Center, Inc., people living in certain zip codes and who have consistently paid the total amount of rent they owe over the last six months can receive help on rent and utilities. Applicants must also have been consistently employed over the last six months, or recently unemployed, and show sufficient income for future months’ bills.

Star-C Corporation Eviction Diversion Program

This program, servicing people living in the City of Atlanta, covers up to $7,000 in rent to those in the city experiencing hardship due to job loss or reduction of hours, or emergencies such as transportation or medical emergencies.

Action, Inc.

People living in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton Counties may be eligible to receive assistance with rent or utilities from Action, Inc. Their Community Services program helps those who have experienced financial hardship within the last 90 days. Applicants can receive assistance one time in a 24-month period.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries provides rent and utility assistance to at-risk Gwinnett County residents from Doraville, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and Tucker as well as Greater Gwinnett through community partner referrals and funding cycles. Call or visit their office to get started.

County governments or other local agencies throughout Georgia may administer their own rental assistance programs outside of state or federally funded initiatives. Check with your municipality to find out what their rental assistance options are and how you can qualify.

Other Programs

Certain initiatives are administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These include the HCV program as well as a subsidized apartments program where apartment owners are assisted by HUD in providing reduced rent prices to low-income tenants. HUD also runs the HOME program, which gives grants to state and local governments to provide affordable housing.

Finally, the GA/RYSE program is aimed at helping young adults get on their feet with household startup costs. They can provide temporary rental assistance for up to three months as well as utility and rental deposits, food services, and coaching assistance with an approved living plan. Eligibility depends on age, whether you're a post-secondary student, and if you're "in care" or "out of care.”

Finding Rental Assistance in Georgia

If you or someone you know in Georgia have come upon hard times and are in need of rental assistance, help is available. Use our Affordable Housing Search to get in touch with your local agency and learn more about your options.