Athens, GA Financial Assistance
Living in financial need is difficult, but there are resources out there to help, especially for those living in Athens, Georgia. This comprehensive guide will describe the government financial support available, eligibility criteria, and application process, alongside highlighting local non-profit organizations that offer assistance. We will also suggest few strategies to help you cope with and eventually overcome your financial crisis.
Government Financial Assistance Options
There are several types of government assistance programs that can relieve financial stress.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This federal assistance program provides monthly cash assistance to families with children under age 18 who are struggling to meet their basic needs.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Families and individuals can access this program, which provides funds for food purchases.
- Medicaid: This health insurance program is available to low-income individuals and families, with coverage extending to children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program provides housing assistance through vouchers that cover a portion of monthly rent payments.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for these assistance programs varies by program, but typical criteria include income level, household size, unemployment status, and whether or not the individual or family has young children, elderly adults, pregnant women or disabled individuals. You can check your eligibility on Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services website.
Application Process
To apply for any of these programs, you need to visit Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services website or local state offices, complete the required paperwork, and provide necessary documentation, such as ID cards, income proofs, and proof of residency in Georgia.
Non-profit Agencies in Athens, Georgia
Several non-profit organizations exist in Athens, Georgia, that offer additional help and resources.
- The Salvation Army: They provide emergency assistance for families in crisis, including food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
- Athens Area Emergency Food Bank: This food bank provides emergency food assistance to residents experiencing a food crisis.
- Action Ministries Athens: They offer a range of services, including rent and utility assistance, transitional housing, and childhood hunger relief programs.
- United Way of Northeast Georgia: This organization offers resources on everything from utility bill assistance, food pantries, homeless shelters, and emergency rent assistance.
Strategies to Overcome Financial Need
While government assistance and non-profit agencies play essential roles, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation.
- Budgeting: Create a budget and stick to it. Identify essential expenses and eliminate unnecessary ones.
- Income Generation: Seek additional income opportunities. This could mean part-time work, freelance gigs, or selling unwanted items.
- Financial Education: Attend financial literacy workshops or classes. Many community organizations offer these free of charge.
- Less expensive living: Consider cheaper housing, carpool or public transportation rather than owning a car, and shopping at discount grocery stores or utilizing food banks.
Remember, financial need is often temporary. With assistance, smart planning, and perseverance, you can overcome this challenging time. Take advantage of these resources in Athens, Georgia and start your journey to financial stability today.
Search for Financial Assistance in Georgia
Latest additions in Georgia
Action, Inc.
Affordable Housing Service Home buyer Education program Services for needy citizens
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9535940,-83.3662650
- Phone
- (706) 546-8293
- Location
- Athens, GA
Avenues for the Homeless
Provides REFERRALS to
homeless services.
DOES NOT give out food, shelter, clothing, money,
etc.
Can transport to shelters, soup kitchens, etc. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9448436,-83.4323375
- Phone
- (706) 850-5164
- Location
- Athens, GA
Beech Haven Baptist Church- General Assistance
Offers
financial assistance for rent & utilities by appointment only.Does not
help with utility or rent deposits, or disconnected services.-Any other
form of assistance must be through a referral from a social/case worker.
Does not provide referrals to .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9483310,-83.4165500
- Phone
- (706) 548-7084
- Location
- Athens, GA
Bloomfield Fund c/o Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Provides financial assistance to meet
medical needs (prescription, supplies/equipment, home modification) for
families of children with physical or developmental disabilitiesAge
groupinfant to age 18 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
31.4564605,-83.5033040
- Phone
- (706) 543-1294
- Location
- Athens, GA
Clute Barrow Nelson Life Foundation
Provides financial
support to families with a child with a diagnosis of cancerNot limited
to medical costs: can help with household expenses, funeral expenses,
transportation costs, or any other costs incurred due to the child's
illness .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9315850,-83.3878749
- Phone
- (706) 475-4900
- Location
- Athens, GA
Empty Stocking Fund
- Provide emergency financial
assistance with almost any need but utility bills unless it is a life
threatening situation- Must have verified referral needed from area
agency.
The agencies below can write a referral **Ark- must qualify for
services there and have attempted to contact other providers to request
assistance in order to receive referral** DFCS- Speak with Mr. Thurmond.
Must bring documentation of need and circumstance surrounding need
(unemployment information, illness, etc.)** Athens Community Council on
Aging- for seniors in need- Help given once in 12 months- Does not
assist with Christmas toys, etc. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9448436,-83.4323375
- Phone
- (706) 549-0123
- Location
- Athens, GA
Georgia Cares Program (Athens)
- Consumer information
about health insurance managed care- Help with understanding your rights
as a Medicare beneficiary or health insurance policyholder- Help with
comparing & evaluating health insurance and managed care plans-
Information on long-term care and long-term care insurance- Help sorting
through medical bills and assistance filing medical claims- Legal
assistance with complicated Medicare problems- Referral to other
agencies such as Social Security or DFCS- Community education on health
insurance issues- Counseling in person and limited telephone
counseling .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9640960,-83.3795570
- Phone
- (706) 549-4850
- Location
- Athens, GA
Health Dept.--Clarke Co.
Public Health Programs
Aids Testing and Counseling
Cancer Detection Program
Child
Health Program
Children's Medical Services
Community Care
Services
Diabetes Screening
Environmental Health
Services
Family Planning Program
Sickle Cell Program
Hearing,
Vision, Dental Program
Immunization Program
Mammogram Screening
Program
Scoliosis Screening
SHAPP (Stroke and Heart Attack
Prevention Program)
STD Screening and Treatment
Tuberculosis
Program
WIC Program
Perinatal Case Management
Women's Health
Medicaid Program-a program whereby an uninsured, under-insured, low
income woman who has been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may
be eligible for full coverage Medicaid.
Georgia Cancer State Aid
Program-funds diagnosis and treatment for medically needy cancer
patients.
Applicants must be uninsured, underinsured and not eligible
for full coverage Medicaid; must meet medical eligibility requirements
and financial guidelines. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9580531,-83.3882889
- Phone
- (706) 542-8600
- Location
- Athens, GA
Sparrow's Nest Holiday Assistance (2009)
Available to
people currently participating in Sparrow's Nest programs.typically
serve 500-700 children .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9500000,-83.3833333
- Phone
- (706) 247-2365
- Location
- Athens, GA
St. Joseph's Holiday Assistance Program
Priority goes
to elderly parishioners, church parishioners, and outside community they
have not helped beforeWill schedule an appointment to be
interviewed.Each individual (adult and child) will receive a present and
family will receive a food basket.
Wil .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9600910,-83.3812515
- Phone
- (706) 549-4208
- Location
- Athens, GA
The Cancer Foundation of Northeast GA
Only serves
persons in treatment for CancerService Description:-Past due rent or
mortgage-Pharmacy prescriptions not covered by insurance-Past due gas,
electric, and water bills.-Insurance premiums (CODRA)-Insurance
co-payments and deductibles-Groceries (gift cards)-Durable medical
equipment .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9846950,-83.4167750
- Phone
- (706) 353-4354
- Location
- Athens, GA
Timothy Baptist Church- General Assistance
All January
Appointments have been filled.
Taking February Appointments starting
JANUARY 25.$50 cap for rent and utilitiesRENT- client need to have an
eviction noticeUTILITIES - Service is off and the client is trying to
get it on in the SAME location.
No .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9198630,-83.4039860
- Phone
- (706) 549-1435
- Location
- Athens, GA
Upward Bound Program
- Helps young people and high
school students prepare for higher education- Participants receive
instruction in literature, composition, foreign languages, mathematics,
and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays, and during
the summer- Offers counseling and mentoring, parent involvement,
academic advising, study/test-taking skills, tutoring, career
orientation and advising, campus visits, cultural field trips,
post-secondary school admissions assistance, financial aid program,
Achievers Club, and community service program .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9599145,-83.3776221
- Phone
- (706) 542-4128
- Location
- Athens, GA
Jeannette Rankin Foundation Inc
Jeannette Rankin
Women’s Scholarship Fund raises funds and awards scholarships annually
to low-income women, ages 35 and older, who are in an accredited
undergraduate or vocational training program and have a vision of how
their education will benefit themselves, their families, and their
communities. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9347880,-83.4683639
- Phone
- (706)208-1211
- Location
- Athens, GA
The Cancer Foundation Of Northeast Georgia
The Cancer
Foundation of Northeast Georgia (CFNEGA) is a non-profit organization
whose mission is to help alleviate the financial burden of cancer for
eligible patients.
The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia (CFNEGA) is a local
501(c)3 non-profit that provides emergency financial assistance for
basic life needs such as housing, utilities, food and medications.
The
ultimate goal of The CFNEGA is to provide emergency monetary
assistance
to cancer patients living in Northeast Georgia.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9846950,-83.4167750
- Phone
- (706) 353-4354
- Location
- Athens, GA
ACTION, Inc. (Clarke)- Financial Assistance
Hours of
operation: M-F 8-4
Offers Rent Assistance
Heating & Cooling
Assistance (Seasonal, based on funding)
1.Grants and revolving
loans are available to people who earn up to twice the federal poverty
level, or $21,660 a year for an individual, plus another $7,480 for each
additional family member. The low- and no-interest loans will not
require collateral, unlike most bank loans and government loan
funds.
2. After entrepreneurs complete a class on developing a
business plan, finance and marketing, the program will pay for their
business licenses and state registration fees.
3. Counseling and
money to help keep homeowners out of foreclosure also will be available
as part of the grant. ACTION can make up to three mortgage payments, a
total of $1,500, for homeowners who are falling behind
Adults
(ages 18-59); Clarke; Cooling/Heating Assistance; General Volunteer
Programs; Mortgage Assistance; Older Adults (Ages 60+); Rent Assistance;
Utility Assistance; .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9535940,-83.3662650
- Phone
- (706) 549-9827
- Location
- Athens, GA
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (HPRP)
Eligibility
requirements: Mental health and substance abuse diagnosis. Re-housing
for the general population.
Area served: Clarke
Services
Rent and utility assistance only for specific population (Mental
Health and substance abuse diagnosis)
Re-Housing for general population only.
Clarke; Mental Health Support Group; Rent Assistance; Utility
Assistance; .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9717150,-83.3650410
- Phone
- (706) 354-1154
- Location
- Athens, GA
Ark - General Assistance
Hours of operation: Monday -
Friday 9am -12:30 pm Wednesday 9am - 11am is a walk in day for first
time clients.
Fees charged: No fee for services.
Intake procedure:
Must make an Appointment. Walk-ins accepted Wednesday 9:00 - 11:00 AM.
Bring photo ID and proof of address, proof of income and bills.
Eligibility requirements: None. Referrals accepted from ACTION, Inc.
for counties outside Clarke and Oconee.
Languages spoken or available: English, Must bring a Spanish interpreter
Area served: Clarke County and Oconee ; with ACTION, Inc. referral
will serve Madison, and Oglethorpe
Services
- Provides financial assistance for rent, utilities,
prescriptions(Clarke county residents only), and dental emergencies.
- Must provide documentation for a LOSS of income within the last
30-60 days. Loss of income can be job or medical related. It can also be
due to unexpected expense such as large car repair.
- Can not have been fired or quit from a job.
- Must call for an appointment.
- To receive assistance must qualify under their guidelines.
- Does not have Spanish interpreter on-site.
Does Not provide assistance with:
Rent and utility deposits.
Bills from previous locations or in someone else s name.
NO assistance with cable, phone, credit cards and clothing.
Prescription must be less than two days old (except weekends).
Adults (ages 18-59); Clarke; Dental Care Financial Support; Food Pantry;
Madison; Oconee; Oglethorpe; Older Adults (Ages 60+); Prescription
Assistance; Rent Assistance; Utility Assistance; .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9688850,-83.3864200
- Phone
- (706) 548-8155
- Location
- Athens , GA
Beech Haven Baptist Church- General Assistance
Hours
of operation: Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM to make an appointment for the
following Tuesday afternoon.
Intake procedure: Appointment Only
Eligibility requirements: Picture ID/ driver s license, most recent
utility bill, rent balance or mortgage statement
Languages spoken or available: English
Area served: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and
Oglethorpe counties.
- Offers financial assistance for rent & utilities by appointment only
- Does not help with utility or rent deposits, or disconnected services
.-Any other form of assistance must be through a referral from a
social/case worker.
Does not provide referrals to other agencies.
Adults (ages 18-59); Barrow; Clarke; Elbert; Jackson; Madison;
Oconee; Oglethorpe; Older Adults (Ages 60+); Rent Assistance; Utility
Assistance;
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9483310,-83.4165500
- Phone
- (706) 548-7084
- Location
- Athens, GA
Bloomfield Fund
- Provides financial assistance to
meet medical needs (prescription, supplies/equipment, home modification)
for families of children with physical or developmental
disabilities
- Age group- infant to age 18
Fill out form on website. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9607745,-83.3857501
- Phone
- (706) 543-1294
- Location
- Athens, GA
Community Connection of Northeast Georgia (HPRP)
Hours
of operation: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30AM to 12:00PM
Eligibility requirements: Clarke Co. Resident, impending threat of
eviction from rental unit, inadequate financial resources to remain in
existing housing, sudden loss of income or expected expense or traumatic
event within 12 months.
Clarke; Rent Assistance; Utility Assistance; .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9524407,-83.4038894
- Phone
- (706) 201-4515
- Location
- Athens, GA
Community Connection of Northeast Georgia (HPRP)
The
hours of operation are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30AM to 12:00PM
There are no fees associated with obtaining rent assistance. The intake
procedure is Call case manager Eligibility for this rent assistance
program: Clarke Co. Resident, impending threat of eviction from rental
unit, inadequate financial resources to remain in existing housing,
sudden loss of income or expected expense or traumatic event within 12
months. The areas served are: Clarke Tanya Wingfield - Case Manager .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9524407,-83.4038894
- Phone
- (706)201-4515
- Location
- Athens, GA
Timothy Baptist Church- General Assistance
The hours
of operation are: Monday - Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Fees applicable are:
No fee for services. The intake procedure is Appointment required.
Eligibility for this rent assistance program: DESCONNECTION NOTICE for
Utilities -EVICTION NOTICE for Rent Languages spoken or available at
this organziation English The areas served are: Clarke County .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9198630,-83.4039860
- Phone
- (706) 549-1435
- Location
- Athens, GA
Ebenezer Baptist Church - West
The hours of operation
are: Monday - Thursday 5:30PM - 7:00 PM, Dinner on Wednesdays at the
Campus View (bridge) Fees applicable are: No charge for services The
intake procedure is Walk-in Only. Eligibility for this rent assistance
program: ID and Social Security Card required. If received assistance
from them can not return for 6 months after the first assistance, 1 year
after the second assistance, and 2 years after the third assistance.
Languages spoken or available at this organziation English The areas
served are: Northeast Georgia church office .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9546820,-83.3916910
- Phone
- (706) 543-9644
- Location
- Athens, GA
Project Safe (HPRP/ For Domestic Violence Victims Only)
There are no fees associated with obtaining rent assistance. The intake
procedure is Via crisis line for general services. Eligibility for this
rent assistance program: Domestic violence The areas served are: Clarke
County Alexis Graf and Stacy Sampson .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9500000,-83.4100000
- Phone
- (706) 549-0922
- Location
- Athens, GA
Empty Stocking Fund
The intake procedure is Must be
referred by local agency Eligibility for this rent assistance program:
Individuals who fall in between the cracks and perhaps don t qualify for
other assistance The areas served are: Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison,
Oconee & Oglethorpe counties .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9448436,-83.4323375
- Phone
- (706) 549-0123
- Location
- Athens, GA
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (HPRP)
There are
no fees associated with obtaining rent assistance. The intake procedure
is Phone call Eligibility for this rent assistance program: Mental
health and substance abuse diagnosis. Re-housing for the general
population. The areas served are: Clarke Ryan Halsey .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9717150,-83.3650410
- Phone
- (706) 354-1154
- Location
- Athens, GA
Ark - Senior Rent Assistance (NOAH)
The hours of
operation are: Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 12:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
for walk ins. Fees applicable are: N/A The intake procedure is Must
schedule an appointment. Eligibility for this rent assistance program:
Must be 55 or older, NO loss of income required. Referrals accepted from
Action for counties outside of Clarke Languages spoken or available at
this organziation English The areas served are: Clarke .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9688850,-83.3864200
- Phone
- (706) 548-8155
- Location
- Athens, GA
AIDS Athens (HPRP/ For HIV positive individuals only)
The hours of operation are: Monday - Friday 8-5 There are no fees
associated with obtaining rent assistance. The intake procedure is
Appointment preferred, referral required from doctor, agency, or clinic.
AIDS Athens will direct to HPRP or other support. Eligibility for this
rent assistance program: Eligible HIV/AIDS consumers. The areas served
are: Clarke Libby Fennell .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9632295,-83.3982201
- Phone
- (706) 542-2437
- Location
- Athens, GA
ACTION, Inc. (Clarke)- Financial Assistance
The hours
of operation are: M-F 8-4 Fees applicable are: no fees, but some classes
are mandatory for some programs. (Free classes) The intake procedure is
Appointment preferred Eligibility for this rent assistance program:
Clarke Co Resident, Must qualify for program assistance. Languages
spoken or available at this organziation English The areas served are:
Clarke .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9535940,-83.3662650
- Phone
- (706) 549-9827
- Location
- Athens, GA
Salvation Army FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-Athens (UWNEGA)
The hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:30pm Fees
applicable are: no fee The intake procedure is Call from 10am-4:30pm for
a short phone interview. If you qualify, they ll give you an
appointment. Eligibility for this rent assistance program: Income &
expenses to prove qualified Languages spoken or available at this
organziation English The areas served are: Clarke, Madison, and
Oglethorpe counties .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9582950,-83.4123840
- Phone
- (706) 543-5350
- Location
- Athens, GA
Salvation Army - Athens (HPRP)
There are no fees
associated with obtaining rent assistance. The intake procedure is Call
Eligibility for this rent assistance program: Currently taking
referrals. Languages spoken or available at this organziation English
The areas served are: Barrow, Green, Jackson, Morgan, Oconee, Walton
Yvonne Williams .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9582950,-83.4123840
- Phone
- (706) 543-5350
- Location
- Athens, GA
St. Joseph Charities
The hours of operation are:
office hours Monday & Wednesday from 10:00:AM to 12:00PM. Accept calls
Monday,Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10-12. Fees applicable are: No fee
for services. Clients can get assistance every 4 months (per household).
The intake procedure is MUST Call for appointment. Walk-in for emergency
RX ONLY. Eligibility for this rent assistance program: No restrictions-
phone interview required. Picture ID, SS card (not required), proof of
income and expenses (preceding month). Languages spoken or available at
this organziation English/ Some Spanish on Wednesday The areas served
are: Clarke (Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe Counties need to
have a written referral from ACTION or the Ark). .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9600910,-83.3812515
- Phone
- (706) 549-4208
- Location
- Athens, GA
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Athens)
The
hours of operation are: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Fees applicable are: Not
applicable. The intake procedure is Applications accepted only if
waiting list is open Eligibility for this rent assistance program:
Income-based eligibility Languages spoken or available at this
organziation English The areas served are: Northeast Georgia To check if
the waiting list is open .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9173070,-83.4409740
- Phone
- (404) 327-7912
- Location
- Athens, GA
Beech Haven Baptist Church- General Assistance
The
hours of operation are: Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM to make an appointment
for the following Tuesday afternoon. Fees applicable are: None. The
intake procedure is Appointment Only Eligibility for this rent
assistance program: Picture ID/ driver s license, most recent utility
bill, rent balance or mortgage statement Languages spoken or available
at this organziation English The areas served are: Barrow, Clarke,
Elbert, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties. ) 548-7084
Special assistance request line .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9483310,-83.4165500
- Phone
- (706) 548-2246
- Location
- Athens, GA
The Cancer Foundation of Northeast GA
The hours of
operation are: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm There are no fees associated with
obtaining rent assistance. The intake procedure is Referral required
from oncology social worker, patient account representative, nurse,
physician assistant or physician. Completed application, proof of income
and copy of bill. Eligibility for this rent assistance program: Income
must be within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Assets cannot
exceed $9,000 for an individual, $12,000 for a couple. Must currently be
in treatment (chemotherapy/radiation) or be within a 3 month
post-treatment period. Must be a resident of the 10 county service area.
Languages spoken or available at this organziation English The areas
served are: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan,
Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9846950,-83.4167750
- Phone
- (706) 353-4354
- Location
- Athens, GA
Department of Human and Economic Development - ATHENSCLARKE COUNTY
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Fulton County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
33.9662250,-83.3999507
- Phone
- (706) 6133155
- Location
- Athens, GA