In DeKalb County, an ambitious move has been set in motion to tackle the persistent issue of homelessness and the looming threat of evictions. CEO Michael Thurmond announced the rollout of a substantial $13 million initiative, a beacon of hope for those grappling with the repercussions of the pandemic and the housing affordability crisis – all in line with a stern commitment to the welfare of DeKalb's residents.
The funding, distributed through nine nonprofit partners, follows a dual strategy: providing critical housing for the homeless and offering rental and utility assistance to those at risk of eviction. This broad initiative, drawn from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance program, was unanimously approved in August by the Board of Commissioners. CEO Thurmond's effort comes in response to widespread financial distress caused by COVID-19, resonating deeply with the community.
Allen Mitchell, director of the DeKalb County Community Development Department, emphasized the core goal of this public-private initiative: stabilizing lives by bridging the gap between those facing hardships and the support they need. The nine nonprofits serve as pillars in this effort, providing services tailored to address the complexities of each case, highlighting the connection between economic support and holistic care.
To be deemed eligible, households must meet certain criteria: suffering financial hardship, marked by unemployment or reduced income due to the pandemic, and demonstrating homelessness or the precariously thin line of housing instability that could include past due notices on rent or utilities, overcrowded or unsafe living conditions, and more, as stated by DeKalb County. Priority is given to those with incomes less than 50% of the median.
For those seeking assistance, the DeKalb County Integrated Community Care Initiative can be reached through a designated hotline at 404-371-NEED (6333), operational from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a promise to return calls after working hours and on the weekend, underscoring the urgency to shepherd applicants through this process with a supportive hand, it extends until June 30, 2025, acting as a critical lifeline for many.
From 2021 to February 2024, precedents such as the DeKalb Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition laid the groundwork with $55 million in federal aid for rent and utilities, reaching over 5,900 households, an endeavor that shines as a testament to the ongoing journey of combating the crises that plague the foundations of housing security in the community, and this latest $13 million stride stands as a continuation of that same journey, as reported by DeKalb County official news.
