I need assistance with rent in Conyers, GA
(Request from Leah in Conyers, Georgia) I need assistance on getting my rent paid. I contacted three agencies and they will not help me and I do not want to be on the street.
Dear Leah,
I am sorry to hear that you have been unsuccessful in gaining cash assistance through one of the agencies that you contacted. If I knew which agencies you have already consulted then I would be able to provide a bit more information on other sources of assistance with rent in Conyers. These are the primary cash assistance possibilities that operate locally.
The Resource Center for Community Action
The Resource Center for Community Action is a nonprofit community agency that provides cash assistance for rent as well as security deposits. With average rent costs exceeding $550 a month, this can be a real value to a lower income tenant that is having difficulty getting through a temporary crisis situation.
In addition to getting cash towards rent, the agency can provide help with utilities, gas, food and transportation. The goal is to help you overcome a major hardship and recover so that you can life a self-sufficient life independent of government assistance.
Limited hours are available for appointments with case managers. To schedule your appointment, you may call The Resource Center for Community Action directly at 770-760-1346.
Rockdale Emergency Relief
Rockdale County Emergency Relief Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides help with basic living costs as well as assistance with rent in Conyers and Rockdale County. As a United Way partner, Rockdale Emergency Relief (RER) provides much needed case management services and relief for the poor through donations and other grants.
To qualify for rental assistance, you must first participate in the agency’s budgeting class. There is no charge for this course.
An interview with a case manager will then determine whether you meet the agency’s qualifications for rental assistance. Keep in mind that the help provided to your household will depend on a number of factors. Some factors may be based on your situation, such as your income, family size, rent payment history and work history. Other factors could include things that are outside of your control, such as the number of applicants requesting aid and the cash reserves within the RER program.
The best first step is to contact RER at 770-922-0165 and schedule an appointment. The organization is located on Tall Oaks Drive in Conyers.
Credit Union Rental Assistance Loans
If you do not qualify for grant-based rental assistance, then you may want to consider whether you earn too much money for one of the needs-based programs serving Rockdale County. If so, then a rental loan might be a more feasible option for you.
While steering clear of predatory lenders is wise, you may have an unexpected ally in one of the nonprofit credit unions serving Rockdale County. These credit unions provide low cost unsecured loans to families like yours who need cash for short-term needs such as back rent payments or utility costs. As a county resident, you likely meet the eligibility requirements to join.
- Georgia United Credit Union offers memberships with as little as $10 deposited into a savings account. Call 770-476-6400.
- Georgia’s Own Credit Union can approve membership to local residents with just a $5 savings account deposit. Call 404-874-1166 for the Conyers branch office.
Consider your needs and the merits of your situation to determine an appropriate course of action. If you still need help and are at risk of eviction, then you may wish to contact the United Way for a referral by calling 211.