Georgia Rental Assistance External Toolkit Developed February 18, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DCA’s Mission and Purpose………………………………………………………………………………….3 Program Talking Points 4 FAQ 7 GRA Program Spokespeople and Bios……………………………………………………………....10 GRA Past Press Releases 11 Sample Media Coverage 16 Assets…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…18 DCA Contact Information 18
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2. OUR VISION
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MISSION AND PURPOSE
To help build strong, vibrant communities.
3. OUR CULTURE
We work hard. We help people. We make a lot of good things happen across our state.
For Georgians of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to live and work in thriving communities.
1. OUR MISSION
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DCA was created in 1977. In 1996, the Governor and General Assembly merged the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) into DCA, and the job of providing safe and affordable housing became part of the agency’s mission.
We are a diverse team of highly competent and committed professionals who strive to help people and communities thrive through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for making a difference. Team members are at their best when collaborating and supporting each other as they perform challenging and dynamic work.
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• DCA Overview: The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is a state agency that helps build strong, vibrant communities. We provide support to communities on their journey towards growth and prosperity, helping lay the groundwork for economic opportunities and local development efforts across the state. Our core business objectives safe and affordable housing, local government assistance, and community and economic development reflect the diversity of our programs and drive our commitment to serve all of Georgia. Hundreds of millions of dollars are distributed annually through grants, tax credits, loans, and other resources used to support a variety of mission driven initiatives from affordable housing to historic preservation and infrastructure enhancements. DCA accomplishes our mission through well established partnerships with key players at the local, state, and federal levels.
GRA PROGRAM TALKING POINTS
BACKGROUND
o Georgia received $552 million dollars under ERA1 and an additional $437 million under ERA2 from the U.S Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
• Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA)
o ERA2 program is set to end in 2025, or when funds are exhausted.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury allocated $25 billion to states and local governments through the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Plan. Georgia received $552 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and an additional $437 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is administering the Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA).
o U.S. Department of the Treasury allocated $25 billion to state and local governments
o DCA has created an online application for individuals to apply to receive up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance as well as future payments.
o ERA1 program is set to end in September 2022, or when funds are exhausted.
o Program launched in March 2021.
o Funds are intended to provide relief to landlords and tenants who are behind on rental and utility payments due to or during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Timeline
KEY POINTS
§ Copy of your lease.
§ GRA has expanded its eligibility to include households that receive a monthly federal subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher. Only the tenant portion of rent will be eligible for reimbursement and subject to existing program guidelines and limitations.
• Eligibility & Requirements: Tenants
• Overall Eligibility
• Process
§ There is no longer a limit on the amount of rental assistance funds applicants can receive; however, funding is limited to up to 18 months of assistance.
§ Unemployment eligibility or documents showing a reduction in income, significant costs, or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus pandemic
o Documents:
§ Income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household.
• Eligibility & Requirements: Landlords
o Proof of ownership or Authorization/Agreement to act on behalf of owner if management company.
o Rent roll or other documentation of rent arrearages for applicable tenants.
o GRA allows self attestation documents if the landlord is unable to provide the requested documentation
o Demonstrating a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
§ As of August 9, 2021, GRA is providing rental and utility assistance to tenants, landlords, and utility providers statewide.
o Applicants may be eligible for up to 18 months of past due rent and up to three months of future rent.
o GRA will be subject to U.S. Treasury Guidelines.
§ Past due rent notice or past due utility bills
o GRA allows self attestation documents if the tenant is unable to provide the requested documentation
o Completed GRA Landlord Online Application
o Qualified for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or financial hardship due to or during COVID 19.
o Identification documents for the individual submitting the application
o Copy of the lease
§ If applying for utility assistance and rent assistance, copies of your most recent utility bills showing the amount owed, the utility provider and account number
o Financial assistance will be paid directly to landlords and utility companies on behalf of the tenants where possible.
o W 9 and bank information for ACH payment.
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§ Identification (State ID or a passport).
o Households that cannot show a “COVID 19 hardship” or risk of homelessness or housing instability through a past due bill or rent statement.
• Which Jurisdictions in Georgia does GRA cover?
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o GRA is available to eligible tenants and landlords statewide.
o Households with incomes above 80% of Area Median Income
• Who is Not Eligible?
• W 9 and bank information for ACH payment
• Proof of unemployment qualification OR documents showing a reduction in income, significant costs, or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus and the COVID 19 Statement of Hardship document.
Renters will need the following documents/items (e.g., copies, pictures, screenshots, etc.) along with their signed, fully completed application. The application and portal will specify the actual documents required.
Those who qualify for unemployment or have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Those who demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Those who have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) with priority given to households below 50% of the AMI. Households that receive a monthly federal subsidy (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project Based Section 8), and households in which one or more members are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days. Program eligibility, for those receiving federal subsidies, is limited to the tenant’s portion of the rent.
• Income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household and unearned income attributable to a minor.
Who is not eligible?
• Identification.
• Renters that have incomes above 80% of Area Median Income.
• Proof of ownership and Authorization/Agreement to act on behalf of owner if management company
• Homeowners mortgage assistance is available at www.georgiamortgageassistance.ga.gov.
What documents will a tenant need to show eligibility?
What documents will the landlord need to provide?
• Copy of the lease.
• If applying for utility assistance in addition to rent, copies of your most recent utility bills showing the amount owed, the utility provider and account number.
Who is eligible?
• Copy of the lease
• Ledger showing tenant’s payment history in 2020 and 2021 and the Statement of Delinquent Rent form.
• Renters that cannot show they have experienced financial hardship since March 13, 2020, or risk of homelessness or housing instability.
• Completed GRA Landlord Application.
• Past due rent notice or past due utility bills.
• Identification (State ID or a passport)
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FAQ
Which Jurisdictions in Georgia does GRA cover?
I filled out my application on BLANK date, when can I expect a response?
Treasury has released extensive policy guidance that states, and local governments are expected to follow. The decision to not fund statewide from day one was designed to comply with this guidance.
Our goal is to process applications within 3 4 weeks if all required documents are uploaded and complete.
If I’ve already received assistance before but I’ve fallen behind again, can I receive assistance again?
All application status updates will be communicated through the application portal. Applicants should continue to monitor the portal for all communication updates.
How much rent can you pay?
Payments, including arrearages and future payments, may not exceed 18 months There is no cap on the amount of money that can be received for rental arrearages and utilities.
I have fallen behind on my rent, what should I do now?
Why not fund everywhere from the start?
Visit GeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov to make sure you are eligible for this program. Then, talk to your landlord and let them know about this program. Inform them that they will need to submit their application as well to receive funding. Next, start looking at the documentation requirements on the Georgia Rental Assistance Program's website and begin collecting them so that you will have them ready during the application process. Lastly, apply through our online application on our website.
The Georgia Rental Assistance Program is now funding statewide.
I submitted my application and haven’t heard from anyone yet?
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It’s been months and no one has reached out to me yet. What can I do? You may email customer service at rentalassistance@dca.ga.gov and your request will be directed for follow up.
Applicants are eligible for up to 18 months of assistance. If an applicant has not reached the 18 month benchmark, they may submit a recertification request and provide the required documents. A new application is not needed. Applicants may use the same email address and password to start their recertification. Recertification forms are located at https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov/required documents.
My application says, “Payment Scheduled”, when will I receive my payment? The payment schedule date is indicated in the application portal and will reflect as ‘Pending” until it is actually paid. Once the payment is issued, the payment will reflect as “Paid” in the portal.
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My application status says I need “additional info” what does that mean? The assigned caseworker has identified that additional documents are needed before a determination can be made. All requests for additional information needed will be communicated through the application portal. Applicants should continue to monitor all communication through the portal and submit the required documents as soon as possible.
and marketing professional, Mr. Bell has more than 30 years of communications, media relations, and marketing experience. He joined the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in 2021 as Director of Marketing and Communications. Adrion manages a multimillion dollar, statewide, marketing and advertising budget and successfully promotes programs such as the Georgia Rental Assistance Program, the Georgia Mortgage Assistance Program, and the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program.
Christopher Nunn, CommissionerChristopherNunn
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Tonya Cureton Curry , DeputyCommissioner,Housing
As Deputy Commissioner for Housing at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Ms. Curry manages all housing programs for the department. With over 25 years of combined experience in state government, bond finance, housing, and legal affairs, Ms. Curry directs the agency’s programs and services in the areas of homeownership, rental housing development, rental housing assistance and foreclosure prevention. She is also responsible for housing programs serving populations with special needs and homelessness.
GRA PROGRAM SPOKESPEOPLE & BIOS
Adrion Bell, Director ofMarketingandCommunicationsAsenior,corporatecommunications,
was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in 2017. He leads the State’s community development efforts to support local leaders in their efforts to build strong, vibrant communities. DCA has a broad reach that includes comprehensive planning, safe and affordable housing, downtown development, community infrastructure, and economic development finance Mr. Nunn is responsible for overseeing GRA and the agency’s 70 plus programs providing safe and affordable housing for Georgians.
$552M available through the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) to support landlords, tenants in bringing rent balances current
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GRA can serve renter households in Georgia who meet the following conditions:
The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until March 31, meaning that no one should be evicted solely for non payment of rent until that date. Visit GeorgiaLegalAid.org for more information.
To determine GRA eligibility and apply, visit GeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov.
GRA PAST PRESS RELEASES
ATLANTA (March 8, 2021) – The State of Georgia received $552 million from U.S. Treasury's Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA), and the online portal to determine eligibility and submit applications is now available.
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• Qualified for unemployment benefits OR experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID 19
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application.
Financial Assistance for Renters and Landlords Now Available
GRA offers financial assistance to eligible tenants, their landlords, and utility providers to cover activities including rent arrears, current and future rent payments, and utility arrears payments. Payment will be made directly to the landlords and utility providers. Payments generally may not exceed 12 months, but some households may qualify for a total of 15 months under certain circumstances.
“The State of Georgia is pleased to be able to provide this rental relief to those who have fallen behind in rent and utility bills due to the pandemic,” said Tonya Cureton Curry, DCA Deputy Commissioner of Housing. “We encourage renters and landlords to check the online portal immediately to determine if they are eligible. It’s our hope this assistance will help lessen the financial burdens many Georgian families and individuals are facing.”
the“ThischangeallowsmoreGeorgianstoreceiveimportantrecoveryassistance,”saidDCACommissionerChristopherNunn.“AllrenterswhohaveexperiencedfinancialhardshipduetocoronaviruspandemicareencouragedtovisittheonlineGRAportaltoexploreoptionsforrentalandutilitiesrelief.”
The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until June 30, meaning that no one should be evicted solely for non payment of rent until that date. GRA is only available in communities that did not receive their own funding. The FAQ page at the portal has information on how to access rental assistance in areas not covered by GRA.
The portal is located at georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov. To date, GRA has distributed more than $4 million on behalf of more than 700 tenants and landlords in 98 counties.
ATLANTA (May 21, 2021) – Since mid March, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has been administering rental assistance through the Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Based on evolving federal guidance, the Georgia Rental Assistance Program has expanded eligibility to include renter households that receive a monthly federal subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher. Only the tenant portion of rent will be eligible for reimbursement and subject to existing program guidelines and limitations.
documentationtenantsFederal“DCAisinthebusinessofhelpingpeople,andthefundsavailablefromtheU.S.Treasury'sEmergencyRentalAssistanceProgramareaonceinalifetimeopportunitytohelpandlandlordsacrossthestate,”addedNunn.“Ourstaffisworkingdiligentlytovetallandgetfinancialassistanceintothehandsofthosewhoneeditmost.”
To determine GRA eligibility and apply, visit the online portal GeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov.
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• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Implements Policy Changes Expanding Eligibility of Rental Assistance Program
• Qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID 19
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application.
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Renters and Landlords Can Check Eligibility and Apply for Financial Assistance Online
The program, made possible through $552 million of U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance funding, is available to all who meet the following criteria:
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• Those who demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
This is the second expansion of the program since its inception. In May 2021, based on evolving federal guidance, GRA expanded eligibility to include renter households that receive a monthly federal subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher . Only the tenant’s portion of the rent will be eligible for reimbursement and subject to existing program guidelines and limitations.
Georgia Rental Assistance Program broadens access to funds to support landlords, tenants in bringing rent balances and utility payments current
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs Expands Eligibility of Rental Assistance to Entire State
• Rental households that receive a monthly federal subsidy (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project Based Section 8). Program eligibility is limited to the tenant’s portion of the rent.
The program, made possible through the U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance funding, is available to all tenant households whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID 19 pandemic and who meet the following criteria:
Based on guidance from the U.S. Treasury, counties, or cities with over 200,000 people received separate funds to set up rental assistance programs. Previously, GRA did not administer funds to those local jurisdictions and applicants could only apply through their local municipalities’ programs. Regardless of zip code, tenants and landlords who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments due to the pandemic can apply for up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance through GRA to bring past due payments current. The program has expanded access to funds to the entire state to provide relief to as many Georgians as possible. continueandtenantsavailableCureton“WearelivinginapandemicthathasimpactedGeorgiansinmanydifferentways,”saidTonyaCurry,DCADeputyCommissionerofHousing.“HavingtheserentalassistancefundsfromtheU.S.Treasuryisanunprecedentedopportunitytobringlandlordsandcurrentonrentandutilitypayments.DCAisworkingcloselywithalllocaljurisdictionstheU.S.TreasurytoprovidefundingtothoseinneedacrossthestateaswewanttosupportingasmanyGeorgiansaspossible."
• Those who qualify for unemployment or have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID 19 pandemic
ATLANTA (August 26, 2021) Georgia received $552 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and an additional $437 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from the U.S. Treasury. These funds are being administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) through the Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA). The funds are used to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID 19 pandemic. As of August 9, 2021, GRA is now providing rental and utility assistance to tenants, landlords, and utility providers statewide.
• Those who have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to households below 50 percent of the AMI
14 Forareassistancepandemicfamilies,GRAapplykeepwe“WeknowmanyGeorgiansarestillfacingrentalandutilityarrearagesduetothepandemicandwanttohelptheseindividuals,families,andlandlords,”addedCurry.“Regardlessofyoursituationpriortothepandemic,GRAeligibilityisbasedonyourcurrentsituation.WewanttohelpGeorgiansintheirhomesandweencouragethosebehindonrentandutilitypaymentstotodayatGeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.govorbycalling833827RENT.”isnowprovidingfundingtotenantsandlandlordsinall159Georgiacounties.Individuals,andlandlordswhosefinanceshavebeennegativelyimpactedduetotheCOVID19canvisittheonlineportalatGeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.govtoapplyforrental.Programassistanceisalsoavailablebycallingortexting833827RENTandresourcesavailableinEnglish,Korean,MandarinChinese,Spanish,andVietnamese.moreinformationandFAQ,visittheonlineportalGeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov###
Hall County $6.6 million
Fultonproven“AsGeorgia’sCapitalCounty,weareproudofourstrongpartnershipwithStateleaders,”saidFultonCommissionChairmanRobbPitts.“DCAhasworkedcloselywithusateverystep,andweappreciatetheirpositiveresponsetoourrequestforadditionalfunds.OurteamhasthatwewillbeabletodistributetheseresourcesefficientlyandeffectivelytoserveCountyresidents.”
Atlanta, GA (January 25, 2022) This week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury updated federal Emergency Rental Assistance guidelines allowing Georgia agencies such as the Department of Community Affairs to reallocate funds to other rental assistance programs within the state. DCA has been providing emergency rental assistance to residents in need and working with 12 local cities and counties that have separately funded programs. DCA recently recommended the reallocation of $78.6 million to local jurisdictions needing additional ERA funds.
Clayton County $7 million
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When Treasury rolled this program out last year, there was no data to determine the need for emergency assistance, so $25 billion was distributed formulaically. Twelve large counties and cities in Georgia, defined by having more than 200,000 residents, received between one and four percent of the total funds allocated for Georgia under ERA1, while the State received the balance or nearly 78 percent of $710 million.
Fulton County $25 million
To avoid additional and unnecessary confusion to renters and landlords, each Georgia program operated independently. DCA initially focused on serving 148 counties outside the metro areas. Under Treasury’s guidance, DCA expanded its program statewide in mid August as several local jurisdictions began exhausting their funds and stopped accepting new applications. The voluntary reallocation option allows the state to assist the 12 programs, helping all to quickly disperse funds to qualified applicants.
The programs requesting additional assistance to satisfy thei r local needs are:
Henry County $15 million
Treasury A pproves M illions in R ental A ssistance R eallocations
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DeKalb Count y $25 million
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond echoed this sentiment: “I want to thank Commissioner Chris Nunn and the Department of Community Affairs for their continued efforts to provide rental assistance in DeKalb and across the state of Georgia. This much needed funding will allow us to continue processing the 5,000 pending rental assistance applications remaining in our system,” said Thurmond.“Thisprogramhasbeeneverevolving,”saidDCACommissionerChristopherNunn. “Initially, quicklymovependingTreasury’smutualreceivingTreasuryadvisedthatstateswouldnotbeallowedtoreallocatefundstojurisdictionsseparatefunding.Forthisreason,Georgia’s13programshaveoperatedunderaagreementthattheStatewouldstepinwhenandiflocalfundswereexhausted.Whenguidancechanged,wesawanopportunity.Manyjurisdictionshadnumerousapplicationsandconsistentlyhighdemandsforfunds.Byreallocation,wecanhelpmoneydirectlytothosejurisdictionsandtakeadvantageofexistinginfrastructuretoassistthoseinneed.Thisisawinwinforeveryone.”
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SAMPLE MEDIA COVERAGE
Through earned media efforts, GRA has reached more than 400 news outlets throughout Georgia. Media coverage has resulted in more than 2 billion impressions. *
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Media Quotes Attributed to GRA Spokespeople
*Impressions are defined as any interaction with a piece of content and an audience member.
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• Email Address: rentalassistance@dca.ga.gov
• Infographic needs: https://www.webcargo.net/l/s304lg9m97/
• Website : dca.ga.gov
DCA CONTACT INFORMATION
• GRA Site : paymyrent.ga.gov
• Phone number : (404) 679 4840
ASSETS