DeKalb County Rent Assistance Programs

Paying rent can be challenging to manage, especially in situations involving job loss, health issues, or unexpected expenses. DeKalb County offers various rental assistance programs designed to help residents facing eviction, homelessness, or financial hardship. Through the Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC), the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and various non-profit organizations, residents can apply for emergency rental assistance, housing vouchers, and other resources.

Note: The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program—established under the American Rescue Plan Act—is set to end on June 30, 2026; therefore, households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure support.

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Government & County-Wide Rent Assistance Programs

DeKalb Integrated Community Care Initiative (ICCI)

The DeKalb Integrated Community Care Initiative (ICCI) is a public-private partnership that provides financial assistance for rent, rental arrears, and utilities to DeKalb County residents facing economic hardship. In late 2024, the program received $13 million in federal funding to be distributed through various local non-profit agencies.

Eligibility and Priority

Economic Hardship: Applicants must have experienced a reduction in income, qualified for unemployment insurance, or incurred significant costs.
Risk of Instability: Applicants must demonstrate a risk of homelessness through overdue rent or utility notices, or an active eviction notice.
Income Limits: Households must meet the low-income limits established by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). Priority is given to those earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Employment Priority: Priority is given to households with one or more members who have been unemployed for at least 90 days.

Call 404-371-NEED (6333) between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to confirm your eligibility and receive guidance regarding the program. You may also contact one of the participating non-profit organizations directly to inquire about available funds.

Important Note: The current ICCI funding cycle is scheduled to end on June 30, 2025. As funds are limited, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.

HOME-ARP Project

The HOME-ARP Project (also known as the American Rescue Plan HOME) is a $7.8 million initiative launched by DeKalb County to support residents who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. The program focuses primarily on providing Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and comprehensive support services to promote long-term housing stability.

The program is designed to help eligible residents secure and maintain safe rental housing through:

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: Financial support to cover the difference between what a household can afford and standard local rental rates, including assistance with security and utility deposits.
Support Services: This includes case management, housing search guidance, employment assistance, referrals for mental health or substance use issues, legal services, and transportation assistance. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the HOME-ARP Project, applicants must reside in DeKalb County and belong to one of the following “eligible populations”:

Individuals or families without housing (homeless).
At-risk households likely to lose their primary residence within 14 to 21 days.
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
Vulnerable populations at high risk of housing instability.

The application process requires an initial preliminary assessment through the DeKalb Coordinated Entry System.

Call (404) 687-3500 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); for general program information, contact the DeKalb County Department of Community Development at (404) 371-2727.

Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC)

The Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC) administers federal rental assistance through two main branches: tenant-based vouchers and project-based vouchers. As of April 2026, the general waiting list for tenant-based vouchers (Section 8) remains closed to new applicants. While the general list is closed, the HADC offers several specific programs that may have open waiting lists:

Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): Assistance is tied to a specific apartment unit rather than to the tenant. In November 2021, several “Community Options” became available for families, seniors (aged 62 and older), and near-seniors (aged 55 and older); these lists typically remain open until further notice.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): Provides vouchers and case management specifically for homeless veterans, through a collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV): This program, established during the pandemic, is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026. No new applications are being accepted, and current participants are advised that funding will not be extended beyond this date.

How to Apply

When a waiting list opens, all pre-applications must be completed online at dekalbhousing.org.

If selected, participants typically pay approximately 30% to 40% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent, while the HADC pays the remaining balance directly to the landlord.

Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

The DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) provides emergency rental and utility assistance through its General Assistance Program. This program is designed specifically for households facing an unexpected, uncontrollable, and one-time crisis. To qualify for General Assistance, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:

Residency in DeKalb: Applicants must be legal residents of DeKalb County.
Active Crisis: Applicants must be facing an immediate emergency that has prevented them from making rent or utility payments.
Proof of Eviction: Applicants must possess a Dispossessory Warrant signed by a judge.
Utility Disconnection: If applying for utility assistance, a current disconnection notice for gas, electricity, or water is required.

Applications may be submitted at the DeKalb DFCS office, located at 2300 Parklake Dr., Atlanta, GA 30345 (formerly located on Sams St). You may also call the local office directly at (404) 370-5000 to make inquiries or check for fund availability.

Non-Profit & Community Organizations Rent Assistance Programs

Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Project Take Charge)

Project Take Charge offers emergency financial assistance to low-income families, veterans, and seniors facing a documented threat of eviction or utility disconnection.

Services: Assistance with rent, mortgage payments, and utilities.
Requirements: You must attend a three-part financial management course and a one-on-one budgeting consultation.
Application: Call 404-687-3500 to access the Coordinated Entry service.

Nicholas House

Nicholas House specializes in keeping families with children in their homes or helping them make a rapid transition back into permanent housing.

Prevention Services: Short-term financial aid to cover past-due rent and landlord mediation.
Rapid Rehousing (H2H): Subsidizes rent for families with some income while they work with a case manager to achieve self-sufficiency.

How to Apply: Send an email to intake@nicholashouse.org with your full name, address, contact number, and employment status.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia provides localized assistance through “Conferences” associated with neighborhood Catholic parishes.

Helpline: Call 678-892-6163 to be directed to your local chapter based on your zip code.

Services: Assistance with rent, mortgage payments, and utilities, as well as moving expenses.

Home Visit: Volunteers typically conduct a home visit to verify documentation (lease agreement, rent payment records, utility bills) before approving assistance.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Financial Services help individuals and families overcome sudden financial crises.

Contact: Call 404-486-2888 or visit the DeKalb location at 3500 Sherrydale Lane, Decatur, GA 30032.
Online Application: Start the process at SAHelp.org.

Note: In early 2025, some locations may temporarily pause accepting applications depending on fund availability; calling ahead is recommended.

New American Pathways

New American Pathways is a key distributor of DeKalb’s ICCI funds, focusing primarily on individuals affected by financial hardship.

Hotline: Call 404-721-4108 for specific housing-related assistance.

Target Population: While they provide services to refugees and immigrants, their rental assistance program—funded by ICCI—is open to all eligible DeKalb County residents who meet low-income and financial hardship criteria.

ICCI Deadline: This specific funding cycle is scheduled to end on June 30, 2025.

Conclusion

DeKalb County offers various rental assistance programs designed to help residents facing eviction, homelessness, or financial hardship. The primary pathway to access many of these resources is through the DeKalb Coordinated Entry system by calling 404-687-3500; this system assesses applicants and refers them to the appropriate local agencies.