Over 2,000 People Apply For DeKalb's New Rent Relief Program

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Applications opened at 9 a.m. Friday for DeKalb County's new rent relief program aimed at preventing evictions. By 3 p.m., more than 2,000 people had already applied.

DeKalb officials announced the program on Tuesday, which was made possible by a $21 million grant that came from the federal stimulus package signed in December. As a result, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond created a Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition (TLAC) comprised of public and nonprofit partners from DeKalb's court system, its marshal's office, Atlanta Legal Aid and Goodwill of North Georgia.

“We are really excited to be able to help people, especially those already facing eviction,” Jayvone Hicks, DeKalb County Clerk of State and Magistrate Courts, said in a news release. “We are glad to be able to proactively offer relief instead of just processing writs of dispossessory.”

In addition to the more than 2,000 applications, DeKalb County received 17,000 website visits, 3,700 emails and 350 calls related to the program, officials said.

The program provides financial help with rent, utilities and other housing costs incurred due to the pandemic for eligible families that have an annual family income of 80 percent of the median income for DeKalb County.

Annual family income limits are:

• Family of one: $46,350
• Family of two: $52,950
• Family of three: $59,550
• Family of four: $66,150

To apply, visit dekalbcountyga.gov/renthelp. An owner or landlord renting to an eligible household may apply on behalf of the tenant.