Georgia rent assistance programs and local emergency help
Georgia's rent assistance comes from local organizations and statewide programs. Charities, churches, and community action agencies handle most emergency help and are the right first call when rent is overdue — they move faster and typically require less paperwork. Statewide programs cover longer-term options: housing vouchers, free tenant legal aid, and subsidized housing in rural areas. This page has details on both rental assistance program options, with links to county pages at the bottom.
If one place can't help, try another. Funding runs out, eligibility varies, and the organization with nothing available today may have funds next week. Most people who get help have called more than one place. 211 is a good starting point for local referrals. The county pages below include programs that 211 doesn't always list, so use both.
- NOTE: If you've received a dispossessory notice — Georgia's legal term for an eviction filing — the clock moves fast. Organizations listed on the county pages below can help with both back rent and tenant legal assistance.
Statewide programs - rental assistance may be offered in every county
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
The state agency that oversees Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for 149 of Georgia's 159 counties. DCA administers the main government rental assistance program directly through regional offices — unlike most states, where housing authorities operate independently, DCA runs vouchers at the state level for most of the state. DCA also administers Emergency Housing Vouchers for people experiencing homelessness and operates GeorgiaHousingSearch.org, a free tool to find income-restricted rental units.
DCA also funds affordable housing development, homeless assistance, and other community programs beyond rent and vouchers. See the NHPB guide to Section 8 housing in Georgia for more on the voucher program and local housing authorities.
Applications for Housing Choice Vouchers go through DCA's waiting list, which opens and closes based on funding. Call the Housing Choice Voucher helpline for current status of this income-based rental assistance program option. Contact: 60 Executive Park South NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Main: (404) 679-4840 | Housing Choice Voucher helpline: (470) 802-4707. Website: https://dca.georgia.gov/
Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) — outside metro Atlanta
Free civil legal aid for low-income tenants across 154 of Georgia's 159 counties — primarily serving areas outside the five-county Atlanta metro. GLSP handles eviction defense, habitability complaints, housing discrimination, and help applying for rental assistance. Ten regional offices serve even the most rural parts of the state, and attorneys travel to counties without a local office. Income limits apply. Contact: Statewide helpline: 833-457-7529. General information: (800) 498-9469. Website: https://www.glsp.org/.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society — metro Atlanta
Free civil legal help for low-income tenants in the five-county Atlanta metro: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. Atlanta Legal Aid handles eviction defense, housing discrimination, security deposit disputes, and habitability issues. It operates separate offices in each of the five counties it serves, with phone numbers specific to each. If you live in one of those five counties and are facing eviction, contact the office for your county directly. Contact: Metro intake: (404) 524-5811 | Website: https://atlantalegalaid.org/home/.
Eviction prevention and rehousing programs
Georgia receives Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding distributed through DCA to local nonprofits and governments. These funds can pay back rent, cover security deposits, and support rapid rehousing for people who have recently lost housing. The state's Balance of State Continuum of Care coordinates additional housing resources in counties outside the main urban areas. See the full NHPB Georgia eviction prevention and rehousing page for current programs, ESG contacts, and what to expect if you're in or approaching housing court.
Salvation Army in Georgia
The Salvation Army's Georgia Division runs Project SHARE — a statewide emergency assistance program operated in partnership with Georgia Power. Project SHARE can help with a rent payment, utility bills, or related housing costs. Applications go through the local SHARE partner agency in your county; financial assistance for rent is capped in a 12-month period and funds can't be used for deposits. Some Georgia Salvation Army centers may offer additional rent help from other social services on site - this varies though by location. Find your nearest Georgia location and learn what each center offers through the NHPB Salvation Army Georgia page.
HUD - Housing and Urban Development - Georgia housing page
The government agency has a list of programs that cover many different topics. Whether looking for affordable apartment, rent relief programs or eviction prevention options, HUD has resources listed for Georgia. Contact: https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia.
Community action agencies
Georgia has 20 nonprofit community action agencies and three county-run programs covering all 159 counties. In practice these agencies are often the most important local resource for renters who don't qualify for other programs — they handle emergency rent, security deposit help, LIHEAP energy assistance, and referrals. Funding levels for rental assistance programs can shift; calling early in the funding cycle matters. For a full list of Georgia's community action agencies and what each covers, see the NHPB community action guide for Georgia.
USDA Rural Development – Georgia rent subsidies
For renters in small towns and rural counties, in particular outside the Atlanta MSA, USDA operates subsidized rental properties that aren't always listed in standard HUD searches. These properties serve low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities at income-based rents. The state office in Athens covers all of Georgia's rural counties; USDA also has area offices in Barnesville and other locations across the state. Contact: Stephens Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Avenue, Room 300, Athens, GA 30601. Phone: (706) 546-2162 | Toll-free: (800) 338-5975. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ga.
Veterans: HUD-VASH rental vouchers
Georgia veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of losing housing can apply for HUD-VASH vouchers through the VA. These combine Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management. Contact the VA Atlanta Medical Center or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, which operates around the clock. National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: (877) 424-3838 (24 hours)
Moderated Community Discussion
Renters and people seeking help from across Georgia share real experiences navigating programs, finding local help, and applying for programs. The forum can also be used to post questions and ask for resources in your area. View Georgia rent assistance forum page.
Local pages — find help in your county
Atlanta metro area
Atlanta's metro spreads across several counties, each with its own programs, charities, and housing authorities. Select your county below.
Clayton County
Cobb County
Dekalb County
Douglas County
Fayette and Cowetta County
Fulton County
Gwinnett County
Henry County
Paulding County
Rest of Georgia
Athens and Clarke County
Bibb and Houston County
Carroll County
Columbia County and Martinez
Glynn County and Brunswick
Lowndes County
Savannah region and Chatham County
Walton and Newton County
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