By Asia Ashley
With an estimated 29 percent of DeKalb residents having been laid-off, terminated, or furloughed because of COVID-19, according to a recent study by the Atlanta Regional Commission, many families are struggling as a result.
While it is uncertain when the economy will return to pre-COVID levels, several programs and services are being offered in the short-term to assist in areas such as paying bills, securing food and business support.
The Champion has compiled a list, which will be updated as new information is received, of some of those services that are still available in various areas across DeKalb County:
Brookhaven
Using $167,000 from Brookhaven’s allocation of CARES Act funding from DeKalb County, the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce is providing members with COVID Care Kits that include hand sanitizer, PPE, temperature gauges, and signage, as well as offering a deep cleaning service for business establishments.
Interested businesses should contact the Brookhaven Chamber by emailing Claudia Colichon at [email protected].
For those in need of food, Suthers Center Food Pantry located at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, 3110 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE in Brookhaven, is open every Saturday from 8-10 a.m.
The pantry primarily serves those located in the 30319 and 30341 area codes and is currently drive-thru only. A photo ID and proof of residency is required to receive food.
Residents in need of rent, mortgage or utility assistance for past due accounts can contact St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to submit information to have funding applied to their account. Information may be submitted online at www.svdpgeorgia.org/brookhaven-help/. A general assistance line is available at (678) 892-6163, users will be asked to enter either 30329 or 30319 zip codes for assistance.
Chamblee
The City of Chamblee and St. Vincent de Paul Georgia are partnering to provide rental and utility assistance to Chamblee residents in need.
Eligible residents must have their primary residence within the Chamblee city limits; required documents include a current and signed lease, copy of late rental and/or utility bill(s); and proof of inability to pay for rent and/or utilities due to COVID-19.
The program runs until the funds are fully expended. Residents may apply at: www.svdpgeorgia.org/Chamblee-help/ or by calling SVdP Georgia’s Chamblee Helpline at (404) 261-7181 ext. 124. Callers are asked to leave a message with a name, best contact method and full address.
Those in need of food can also visit Suthers Food Pantry in Brookhaven on Saturdays from 8 until 10 a.m. The pantry primarily serves those located in the 30319 and 30341 area codes and a photo ID is required for food pick-ups.
Clarkston
Clarkston officials announced Nov. 9 that they are using federal CARES Act funds to offer four new programs addressing workforce training, childcare facilities deficiencies, internet services provisions, and food insecurities to help those with COVID-19 related hardships.
The new programs will add to Clarkston’s temporary COVID-19 assistance programs which include mortgage assistance, rent assistance and utility assistance.
Clarkston officials said they will spend up to $100,000 on workforce development services, up to $100,000 on childcare services, up to $60,000 on food assistance programs and up to $50,000 on WiFi assistance programs.
Clarkston also has allocated up to $450,000 for mortgage assistance, $450,000 for rent assistance and $100,000 for utility assistance.
Clarkston’s relief programs are available through the end of December, but city officials said they can extend the programs if necessary and have already extended the rent, mortgage, and utility programs.
To apply for assistance, visit https://www.clarkstonga.gov/ and use the search bar to find the desired programs.
Dunwoody
The following nonprofits are partners in the city’s Vulnerable Population Program; each received $50,000 from the city’s CARES Act funding allocation.
Community Assistance Center offers rent and utility assistance, food, clothing, and other services; call (770) 552-4889 for additional information.
Corners Outreach offers assistance with educational efforts, rent relief and food; the organization may be contacted at (833) 6CO-RNER.
Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb offers families assistance with expenses for hotel rooms, childcare services and enhanced cleaning; additional information may be obtained by calling (770) 609-5407.
I Care Atlanta also offers food assistance and can be reached by calling (678) 615-3341.
Jewish Family & Career Services offers mental health services and a food pantry; for additional information call (770) 677-9300.
Malachi’s Storehouse offers food assistance; the organization can be reached by calling (770) 455-6523.
The Summit Counseling Center offers therapy assistance; for additional information, call (678) 893-5300.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul also offers rent and utility assistance; the organization may be reached by calling (678) 892-6163.
Lithonia
Lithonia officials are planning to approve a small business grant program in the coming days. The Champion will provide an update when information is received.
Pine Lake
The city of Pine Lake has created the Pine Lake Soulful Food Pantry of Love for residents in need of food. Those in need should call (470) 217-2393 and/or email [email protected].
To qualify for food assistance, a person or family should have no access to food; not currently receiving income or be financially unable to purchase food; have no access to transportation; and live in the city of Pine Lake.
Stonecrest
The city is still accepting applications for its small business grant program. Applicants must be legal residents of Stonecrest, 18 years of age or older; and legal owners of a business license and be legal for-profit businesses based in the city of Stonecrest.
Applications can be found online at https://form.jotform.com/jimmyclantonjr/StonecrestFund.
Residents in need should contact Stonecrest Cares Program Administrator Iris Settle at City Hall at (770) 224-0200.
Stone Mountain
Through a collaboration with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Georgia, the city of Stone Mountain is offering mortgage, rent, and utility assistance to residents within the city’s incorporated boundaries.
Of the $712,000 in CARES Act funding received from DeKalb County, Stone Mountain officials allocated $165,000 to its newly established Stone Mountain Cares – COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund.
Any resident of the city of Stone Mountain who has been financially impacted by the coronavirus beyond March 1, 2020, may qualify for financial assistance for mortgage, rent, and utilities.
An application can be submitted online at https://www.svdpgeorgia.org/stone-mountain-help/. Saint Vincent de Paul will also accept assistance requests through its assistance line at (678) 892-6163.
Tucker
The City of Tucker provided CARES Act funds to two area churches that offer virtual learning academies during the 2020-’21 school year. The program is open to city of Tucker residents who qualify. More information is available by contacting the churches directly:
Rehoboth Baptist Church, 2997 Lawrenceville Highway, (770) 939-3182
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 4882 Lavista Road, (770) 934-1461
Countywide
Small business loan program
The DeKalb County Small Business Relief Program is a partnership between Decide DeKalb and LISC Atlanta to assist small businesses in DeKalb County struggling with the effects of COVID-19.
Eligible businesses must be located within DeKalb County; have 50 or fewer employees; have been in business at least one year; and be located in a distressed census tract. Loans are available in amounts up to $10,000.
For loan questions or assistance, contact [email protected].
Grants helps art businesses
ART Station will distribute grant awards, by way of CARES Act received through DeKalb County, to assist artists facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The amount of the award will be based on evidence of need, application rating, and availability of funds. The total amount available for this assistance is $50,000, awarded grants will be small due to the anticipated number of applicants, according to ART Station.
For grant eligibility requirements and for an application form visit the ART Station’s website at www.artstation.org. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. Grant applications will be accepted by email at [email protected] or mailed to ART Station at ART Station Covid Relief Fund, ART Station, Inc., PO Box 1998, Stone Mountain, GA 30086.
A post mark deadline of Tuesday, Dec. 14, is required for mailed applications due to the holiday mail rush. No phone calls will be accepted. All information is included on the ART Station website at www.artstation.org.
Various nonprofits offering assistance
DeKalb County commissioners dispersed CARES Act funds to several nonprofits throughout the county that offer resources to DeKalb residents who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and need rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and other emergency assistance.
For assistance, contact the providers directly and/or visit their websites for information.
A list of participating nonprofits and contact information can be found at: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/8.28.20%20-%20COVID-19%20CAP%20Agency%20Listing.pdf.
***DeKalb County has also created a section on its website that provides additional resources on the state and federal level: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/covid-19/help-citizens.***
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