After a successful launch in December of 2023, Mayor Andre Dickens committed an additional $2 million in funding for the City’s eviction diversion program. The Atlanta City Council approved legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Andrea L. Boone on behalf of the Administration, that authorizes a $2 million donation to the non-profit Star C Corporation to continue assisting low-income Atlanta families who are at risk of displacement.

“Atlanta families are feeling the burden of rising housing costs, especially those in low-income and underserved communities. When you are already challenged financially, you are only one bad day or one serious health emergency from not being able to pay your rent or mortgage,” said Mayor Dickens. “In just a matter of months, we have seen hundreds of families benefit from the eviction prevention program, and hundreds more have applied and are waiting for assistance. Thanks to City Council’s support today for these efforts, we are now able to help even more families avoid worst-case-scenarios and keep the stability that housing provides for both them and our community.”

Since the launch of the eviction diversion program, more than $1.56 million of the initial $2 million to jumpstart the initiative has been expended, preventing the displacement of more than 220 families. More than 500 additional households have already applied for assistance through this program. The additional $2 million will assist the City’s efforts to continue preventing the displacement of these families—and in some cases, preventing these families from experiencing homelessness.

Just last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities can criminalize people experiencing homelessness. Mayor Dickens and the City have instead charted a years-long course to provide safe, secure and affordable housing for all Atlantans.

In addition to the eviction diversion program, the Administration launched the Housing Help Center—a one-stop shop for Atlanta residents seeking affordable housing resources. While connecting residents with properties offering income-restricted housing, the Center will also provide a comprehensive list of other housing resources and access to legal counsel. The Center also helps residents report violations of the City’s Housing Code so the City can take action.

In partnership with Invest Atlanta, the Dickens Administration has also offered programs to assist Atlanta’s legacy residents with health and safety repairs to critical systems in their homes.

Learn more by visiting the Housing Help Center here.