Where to Get Rental Assistance in Clayton County, Georgia.
If you're behind on rent in Clayton County, who you call depends on where you live and what you need. The county's own If you're behind on rent in Clayton County, where you go for help depends on your location and situation. The county’s community action agency is the main program, but funding is not always available. Because of that, the other organizations below may also help, including some that offer emergency rent assistance or security deposit help.
The Salvation Army, the Housing Authority of Clayton County's emergency fund, and a nonprofit called Hearts to Nourish Hope all have active rental assistance for residents. There's also a dedicated Atlanta Legal Aid office right here in Morrow for tenants dealing with an eviction notice. This page covers verified local contacts for emergency rent, security deposit assistance, Section 8 housing, and free legal help — organized so you can find the right first call quickly.
Emergency rent assistance
Clayton County Community Services Authority (CCSA)
The county's designated community action agency, serving Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties since 1966. Provides emergency short-term financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities to qualifying residents facing eviction or disconnection. Applicants must be employed or have a source of income, fall below poverty level guidelines, demonstrate a hardship, and complete an online financial management course before funds are disbursed.
Important: Rental assistance is limited - sometimes closes. Check their site for updates. Also note: CCSA has issued a warning about phishing scams using their name and email — no online applications are offered; all assistance is assigned through a case manager. See more tips on our guide to identify scams. Contact - 1000 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297 | (404) 363-0575. Website: https://claytoncountycsa.org/rent-mortgage-assistance.
Salvation Army — Financial Emergency Services, Clayton County
The Salvation Army's Jonesboro corps provides emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to Clayton County residents facing a financial crisis. Appointments for Clayton County are by phone only — call the FES line to schedule. Income limits apply; assistance is designed for genuine emergencies such as an imminent eviction. Contact 130 Spring Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236. FES appointment line: (404) 486-2888 | General corps: (770) 724-1680. Website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/jonesboro-ga/financial-emergency-services/.
Hearts to Nourish Hope — STEP Program
A Clayton County nonprofit whose STEP (Stabilizing Tenants through Emergency Payments) program provides temporary rental assistance to county residents in imminent danger of eviction. The program is intended as a bridge — not ongoing rent support — for people who can normally maintain their rent but have fallen behind due to a specific hardship. Funds are limited and reviewed case by case. The organization focuses on youth and young adults but the STEP rental program is open to Clayton County families broadly. 640 Georgia Highway 138 SW, Riverdale, GA 30274 | (770) 997-4511. Website: https://www.heartstonourishhope.org/resources.
Housing Authority of Clayton County (HACC) — Emergency Assistance Program
Despite its name, HACC does not administer Section 8 vouchers or public housing — that function belongs to the Jonesboro Housing Authority (see below). What HACC does offer is its own Emergency Assistance Program (EAP): a one-time payment covering one month of past-due rent, mortgage, or a utility bill (up to $350 for utilities). Funds are limited and there is often a wait list. Applications open on a rolling basis when capacity is available — monitor their website for the portal opening. 732 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297 | (404) 362-1200. Website: https://www.haccgeorgia.org/emergency-assistance-program.
Another Chance of Atlanta
A metro Atlanta nonprofit with active programs in Clayton County providing rental assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship and at risk of eviction. Assistance is funded and available on a periodic basis — their Clayton County page includes an online request form and is updated when funding is available. They also work with Clayton County's Coordinated Entry system, which can connect residents to multiple housing resources through a single screening. 777 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 605, Atlanta, GA 30315. Website: https://anotherchanceofatlanta.org/clayton-county-rental-assistance/.
Clayton County Coordinated Entry
This is a source for housing information, including referrals and information on programs that may help pay a deposit or first months rent. Clayton County Coordinated Entry: https://www.claytoncountycoe.org/
Section 8 and subsidized housing
Jonesboro Housing Authority (JHA)
JHA is the sole administrator of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing for Clayton County — not HACC, despite common confusion. JHA manages nearly 1,900 Housing Choice Vouchers and serves over 1,600 low-income households. Historically both the HCV (Section 8) and public housing have long, multi-year waiting lists. Check the JHA website regularly or contact them directly for updates. Contact 203 Hightower Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (770) 478-7282. Website: http://jonesborohousing.com/.
Free legal help for renters
Atlanta Legal Aid Society — Clayton County Office
Provides free civil legal services to low-income Clayton County residents facing eviction, unsafe housing conditions, housing discrimination, and landlord-tenant disputes. Atlanta Legal Aid has a dedicated office in Morrow specifically for Clayton County residents — call that number directly rather than the central headquarters. Eligibility is income-based; seniors 60 and over may qualify at higher income levels through a separate elder law program. Applications can also be submitted online. Online intake: https://atlantalegalaid.org/get-help-2/
- Clayton County office: 1590 Adamson Parkway, Suite 360, Morrow, GA 30260 | (404) 669-0233
- Central intake (all counties): (404) 524-5811
Georgia Senior Legal Aid
Statewide free civil legal services for Georgians age 60 and over, including help with evictions, housing disputes, and tenant rights. Available to seniors at all income levels statewide.
(404) 389-9992 | Toll-free: 1-888-257-9519
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