With the federal eviction moratorium coming to a close at the end of July, it is more important than ever for local governments to work to engage at-risk homeowners and renters with protectionary resources. The CDC Protections on foreclosures and rental evictions are set to expire July 31, 2021. These protections have implemented a hold on evictions solely related to non-payment since passage of the CARES act in March of 2020. Fortunately, alternative assistance will still exist for both homeowners and renters, with many programs backed by federal and state agencies, as well as local governments.
For individuals seeking rental assistance, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has implemented the Georgia Rental Assistance program. The GRA program works to assist renters, and landlords with past due rent and utilities. For information on processes, eligibility, and needed documentation visit DCA’s GRA website.
A number of agencies exist in NE Georgia to assist homeowners:
- Area Committee to Improve Opportunities Now, INC.
- (706) 546-8293
- Athens Land Trust, INC
- (706) 613-0122
- Hancock Community Development Corporation
- (706) 546-1154
These agencies work to assist prospective and current homeowners in financial counseling / management, mortgage delinquency and default resolution, & reverse mortgage counseling, among many other efforts.
For more information on housing assistance efforts, contact Beth Eavenson, NE Georgia’s (Region 5) DCA representative.
