Help for the Unhoused

DeKalb County Launches $7.8 Million HOME-ARP Program

DeKalb County, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Continuum of Care, announces the launch of the $7.8 million HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program known as “Project HOME-ARP”, effective July 1, 2025. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this critical initiative is designed to expand access to safe, stable housing by providing rental assistance and supportive services for unhoused residents experiencing or at risk of becoming unhoused.

“This funding allows us to directly address the urgent needs of individuals and families who are struggling to remain housed or to exit homelessness,” said Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Through the Project HOME-ARP program, we are not only expanding access to affordable housing but also delivering the critical supportive services needed for long-term stability.”

The Project HOME-ARP program targets qualifying populations, including:

Individuals and families who are unhoused.
People at risk of homelessness.
Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
Other at-risk and vulnerable populations facing housing instability.

Key Services Offered Through the Project HOME-ARP program include:

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance – Direct rental support to help eligible households access and maintain affordable housing.
Supportive Services – Including case management, housing navigation, employment assistance, behavioral health referrals, substance use counseling, childcare coordination, and transportation services to promote housing retention. -more- DeKalb County Launches $7.8 Million Program to Focus on Recovery from Housing Instability.

How to Apply for the Project HOME-ARP Program

Eligible citizens must live in DeKalb County and complete a pre-screening through the DeKalb Coordinated Entry System. The intake process begins by calling the Coordinated Entry hotline Monday through Friday at (404) 687-3500, between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit DeKalb Community Development, or call (404) 371-2727.

Unhoused Residents Can Access Prevention Services Within DeKalb County

Coordinated Entry (CE) is a service of DeKalb County that provides a starting point to help DeKalb County residents who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The individual or family is matched with the most appropriate available service based on a comprehensive assessment. Note that services are not guaranteed and are subject to client eligibility and current program availability.

How to Apply for Housing Assistance

The first step is calling 404-687-3500 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 6 pm) to complete the CE comprehensive assessment. This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Press 1 if unhoused
Press 2 for prevention if at risk of being unhoused
Press 3 for follow-up

If you get the voicemail, please leave your information, and an agent will call you back as soon as possible.

How Long It Takes to Receive Assistance

Need, current situation, and funding availability will determine when assistance can be provided. Housing assistance also takes into consideration placement on the housing list based on the comprehensive assessment results and date.

What Documents Are Needed

Valid photo identification for adults ages 18 and older
Birth certificates for children ages 17 and younger
Social security cards for all household members
Income or benefits, pay stubs, or bank statements, or need wage verification from the Department of Labor