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The pandemic has presented a wide array of challenges, one of the hardest being housing security. Protections have been put in place to support both renters and homeowners. The CDC issued another rent moratorium extension, starting August 3 and lasting through October 3. And although the foreclosure moratorium has been lifted, homeowners with federally backed loans can still receive pandemic forbearance protections until September 30, 2021.
Rent, mortgages, and utilities have all presented barriers to feeling safe and secure in one’s home, especially as layoffs and pay cuts accumulate. Yet, few are aware that there are many resources available to help cover such costs and help restore the sense of security in your home. Below are a few available options for renters, homeowners, and landlords to help make it through these unprecedented times.

Georgia Housing Quick Resource Guide

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Here in Georgia: 

The Georgia Rental Assistance Program: If you’re a Georgia renter or landlord and have outstanding balances, this program can help you get back on track. Using the $552 million from the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance program, Georgia is able to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose financial stability has been negatively impacted due to Covid-19. Those who qualify can receive up to 12 months of payment relief for past-due rent and utility payments. Some requirements include: qualifying for unemployment or proof of financial hardship due to Covid-19; a risk of homelessness or housing instability; and a household income at or below 80% of the área median income.

The Atlanta Covid-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program: This program is available to incorporated City of Atlanta residents and renters who have experienced a loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The program received $13.68 million in funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Funds that is administered through the United Way of Greater Atlanta, which collaborates with local nonprofits to disperse the funds into the community. Eligible and approved recipients can use the financial assistance for rent, rent arrears, security deposits, utilities, internet, water, sewer, and trash removal. The ultimate goal of this program is to provide support for gaps that renters in the Atlanta area may be experiencing.

The Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition: The Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition is a collaboration between public and nonprofit partners that provide financial relief to DeKalb renters that are threatened by eviction and for landlords that are facing revenue losses that are both due to the direct and indirect effects of Covid-19. The program is designed to assist eligible households that have an annual family income of 80% of the median income for DeKalb County. The program helps families pay for rent, utilities such as water, electricity, sewer, trash, and natural gas, and other incurred housing costs.

Fulton County Emergency Rental Assistance: For Fulton County residents that live outside the city of Atlanta, this program can help renters receive financial assistance for things like rent, water, gas, and power bills that have resulted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Residents who qualify for unemployment, are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, or make at or below 80% of the área median income also qualify for assistance. Additionally, households suffering unemployment for 90 days or more, make below 50% of the area median income, or have documented eviction will be prioritized.

State Home Mortgage: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act stipulates that any borrower that has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, regardless of delinquency, is entitled to a forbearance plan in order to make paying a mortgage more accessible. A forbearance plan allows a temporary suspension or reduction of your mortgage payments for a specific period of time, especially during hardship. At the end of forbearance, you can: a) pay the total amount due, b) enter into a verbal Informal Forbearance Agreement to bring your loan current, or c) complete a full Loss Mitigation Package to be reviewed for options based on your income at that time. With a forbearance plan, you are able to have some financial breathing room.

To find other state and local resources, visit the links below:

Georgia Legal Aid: Georgia Covid-19 Resource List 
Georgia Rent Assistance: Rent Assistance Programs in Georgia
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Rental Assistance Programs By State and County