Gwinnett County rental assistance starts here

The churches, nonprofit organizations and government agencies that are committed to ending homelessness in Gwinnett County have something in common. They direct a large amount of their funding and efforts towards helping families deal with rental arrears so that they are not evicted from their homes or apartments.

The shared primary objective is to help local residents remain in their homes if it is affordable for them to stay. In cases where remaining in the home would require massive financial assistance, a transition into a more affordable home can be facilitated.

HOPE Inc. pays up to $400 a month as a rental assistance grant to participants who agree to also enter the job training program. This support is paid directly to private landlords or apartment communities on behalf of tenants. More information about this valuable grant assistance is available by writing HOPE Inc at P.O. Box 3166, Duluth, GA 30096 or emailing them ([email protected]).

Emergency rent assistance

Lilburn Cooperative Ministry receives requests for all sorts of emergency aid. If rental assistance funds are required, the ministry can request aid through its network of partner churches to help fill the request. Calls are answered at 770-931-8333.

Partnership for Community Action maintains a homelessness prevention program that could authorize emergency aid or shelter to deal with a situation. Call 770-564-1702 to see what types of support the agency expects to provide based on an initial telephone screening questionnaire.

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County operates a Financial Emergency Service Center in Lawrenceville. Emergency rent payments can be authorized if it will help a family remain in the home. Applications may be submitted at 3455 Sugarloaf Parkway or clients may call ahead at 770-724-1661.

The Salvation Army also maintains an emergency housing facility in Lawrenceville. The site is open to families who need immediate shelter due to a housing emergency. This Home Sweet Home program provides safe shelter while simultaneously helping clients solve their housing needs.

Families with small children can get emergency shelter and transitional housing support through Rainbow Village in Duluth. Even if a family has no place to go following an eviction, Rainbow Village can help with immediate and future needs. A representative is available at 770-497-1888.

Women and children may get emergency shelter at the Saltlight Center. This homeless facility is operated by Family Promise. Potential clients may call 678-376-8950 to ask about vacancies and shelter rules.

Norcross Cooperative Ministry can contribute up to $100 to a tenant who is short on rent. This grant can be used to top off funds if it will help the family make their full rent payment. Contact may be made by calling 770-263-8268.

Duluth Cooperative Ministries does offer rent payment assistance to families in need. Other resources can also be provided to ensure that tenants can have food and utilities covered while making their rent payments. Interested persons may call 770-623-9563.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves Gwinnett County residents. This is especially helpful for those who have already been turned away from other aid agencies. Help is available by calling 678-892-6163 (Duluth office) or 770-724-1660 for the Lawrenceville-based Gwinnett County Service Unit.

Permanent rental assistance

If a tenant has suffered irreparable harm from an injury or other situation that makes normal rent permanently unaffordable, there may be a possibility to qualify for subsidized rent. What this means is that a low-income person may move into a cheaper apartment and the local government will pay for a portion of the rent. Inquiries on Section 8 assistance may be made by calling 800-869-1150.

There are three local programs that provide rent subsidies:

  • Buford Housing Authority (call 770-945-5212)
  • Lawrenceville Housing Authority (call 770-963-4900)
  • Norcross Housing Authority (call 770-448-3668)

Applicants must be classified as very low income and will be required to demonstrate need. A waiting list often means that a suitable match may take several months until a vacancy opens.

Seniors and disabled adults may get help through separate subsidized rent communities:

  • Applewood 1 Towers (call 770-962-7771)
  • Applewood 11 (call 770-822-5940)
  • Gwinnett Christian Terrace (call 770-925-2300)
  • Harris Group Home (call 404-246-8929)
  • Lilburn Terrace (call 770-806-8156)
  • Windridge (call 770-932-2643)

Rental loans

Higher income families may not qualify for grant-based aid. They may still access rental loans as a means for getting through an emergency crisis with an intact residence and rental payment history.

  • Associated Credit Union admits residents who live in Gwinnett County. Once someone joins, they may immediately apply for a loan to cover the rent arrears. Call 770-448-8200 for the Norcross office.
  • Delta Community Credit Union has an open membership policy and offers low interest loans to tenants with reasonable credit and verifiable income. Call 404-715-4725 or visit one of three local branches to become a member and request a loan.
  • Georgia’s Own Credit Union allows Gwinnett County residents to join and apply for loan products. Call 404-874-1166 or visit the Buford or Stone Mountain branch to join.