Fresh Start Program Offers Short-term Financial Crisis Assistance

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The Georgia Fresh Start program is an initiative that will provide a one-time crisis assistance payment for qualified families to pay past-due utilities and shelter expenses. Led by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, the program will distribute a maximum payment per family of up to $3,000.

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, resident of the state of Georgia, caretaker or non-custodial parent of a minor dependent child living in the home, and have an income at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Get more information about requirements.

Families in metro Atlanta counties may call 2-1-1 for a listing of participating agencies. United Way will review and approve eligibility, and disburse payment to vendors according to DHS Fresh Start program guidelines. For areas with access to 2-1-1, please do not call your local United Way office. Contact 2-1-1 for a listing of service providers in your area.

The details of the Fresh Start program and its infrastructure are still being finalized across the state. At this time, participating counties and agencies are screening applicants for eligibility. The Fresh Start program rolled out in additional counties on June 14 and 21, and will be available throughout the state by the end of the month.

Important documents:

Fresh Start Georgia financial crisis assistance
Fresh Start Georgia participating agency list
Fresh Start eligibility checklist
Fresh Start FAQs

The Georgia Alliance To End Homelessness is a statewide network committed to fostering strategic initiatives to build a collaborative response to the needs of homeless persons in Georgia.

Contact
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta