How lower-income Atlantans can get up to $7,000 in rental assistance

Lower-income Atlanta residents can receive up to $7,000 in rental assistance under a new eviction-prevention initiative the city launched with nonprofit Star-C.

Backed by $2 million in seed money from the city’s affordable housing trust fund, the program is open to applicants earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI), which is about $58,000 for a family of four.

Applicants shouldn’t wait until sheriff’s deputies post an eviction notice on their door—or even until they fall behind on rent. “Our goal is to help people before it all happens,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said during a Nov. 21 webinar.

People seeking rental assistance funds must show they are, or will be, facing financial challenges, according to Star-C executive director Audrea Rease.

“We will cover your rent arrearage or emergency rental assistance due to hardship caused by income loss because of job loss, reduction of hours, or emergencies related to critical life requirements, such as transportation, medical situations for you or your household member,” Rease said during the webinar.

Applicants must provide photo IDs, Social Security numbers for leaseholders, a copy of their lease, birth certificates for any children, Atlanta Public Schools report cards or other documentation authenticating a student’s enrollment, and any paperwork that can verify their financial issues. If they’re already facing eviction, a copy of the dispossessory order is also required.

The program isn’t restricted to just U.S. citizens. 

“If you are a city of Atlanta resident, and your income qualifies, and you do not have a social security number, we do have a procedure and protocol where we can still be able to assist you,” Rease said. “So if, for whatever reason, you are undocumented or in a situation like that, don’t allow that to hinder you from applying for this program.”

Help is also available to renters whose housing costs are subsidized by the government.

“We will cover the tenant portion of subsidized rent,” Rease said. “So if, for example, you live in an Atlanta Housing unit or have a voucher, and your portion of the rent is $300 a month, we will cover that $300 piece that you as a tenant owe.”

All of the rental assistance payments will be made directly to landlords, not to tenants, but Star-C won’t disqualify applicants if they’ve already sought or received help from other emergency rent assistance programs.

Because of the limited funding, Rease added, the program will prioritize parents of APS students, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, and seniors age 65 and over, but anyone earning up to 60% AMI is eligible.

Applicants should apply through a portal managed by Archi Collaborative, an organization that also assists metro Atlantans with mortgage relief and utility payments. They can follow up on their applications by emailing Star-C at atlrentsupport@star-c.org.

People without access to cell phones or computers can also apply by visiting one of five city of Atlanta recreation centers:

• MLK Recreation and Aquatic Center at 110 Hilliard St. SE 

• CT Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center at 3201 MLK Jr. Dr. SW 

• Rosel Fann Recreation Center at 365 Cleveland Ave. SE 

• Dunbar Recreation Center at 477 Windsor St. SW 

• William Walker Recreation Center at 2405 Fairburn Rd. SW 

Click here to apply for rental assistance via Archi’s portal. You can also contact the city’s Housing Help Center online or by phone (3-1-1) for assistance with other housing needs.