Coronavirus Rental Assistance Program Launched By Fulton County

FULTON COUNTY, GA — Fulton County is preparing to launch a coronavirus emergency rental and utility assistance program based on an $18 million federal funding award through the U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Eligible Fulton County renters outside the City of Atlanta who have been affected by the pandemic will be able to apply through an online application in March. Eligible expenses include rent, rental arrears and utilities resulting from the pandemic.

“At this very moment, there are families across Fulton County worrying about how they will keep a roof over their heads,” Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts said. “Our team has been working hard to get this program ramped up and get these funds into the community as quickly as possible.”

Residents must meet eligibility requirements established by the federal government including:

• Incomes up to 80 percent of area median income who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive assistance.

• One or more individuals in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or can attest in writing that they have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic; and

• One or more individuals in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or an eviction notice; or unsafe or unhealthy living conditions; or any other evidence of such risk.

Households affected by unemployment for 90 days or more, and households with incomes at or below the 50 percent of area median income, will be prioritized.

Payments will be made directly to landlords and utility companies. Additional details will be provided closer to the March 1 launch date. For more information go online.