Atlanta, Feb 24, 2021 – Fulton County was notified that it would receive an $18 million federal funding award through the U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to use for emergency rental assistance due to COVID hardships.
These funds will be used to assist eligible Fulton County residents “outside” the City of Atlanta who are in desperate need of rental assistance and utility payment support. Eligible assistance includes rent / rental arrears and utilities (i.e., electric, water, and gas bills) resulting from the pandemic. Residents must meet specific requirements given by the federal government in order to receive this assistance. Households affected by unemployment for 90 days or more and households whose incomes dropped by 50% will be prioritized. The online application process will begin in March.
“As a direct result of COVID-19 many of our citizens have been negatively impacted. Many have lost their jobs and are having problems paying their monthly rent and utilities. The program will enable us to provide some relief to a needy segment of our community” says Chairman Pitts. “At this very moment, there are families across Fulton County worrying about how they will keep a roof over their heads. Our team has been working hard to get this program ramped up and get these funds into the community as quickly as possible” added Pitts.
Rental assistance will be allocated up to $1,300 per month for up to 6 months and utility assistance will be up to $200 per month for up to 6 months. The number of potential households to receive rental assistance will be approximately 2,500, and approximately 1,100 households will receive utility assistance. Payments will be given directly to the landlords and/or the utility companies and not the individual. The application program for eligibility will begin March 1, 2021.
For more information go to www.fultoncountyga.gov/renthelp.
