DeKalb County officials announced a number of initiatives on Nov. 17 that seek to aid families in the midst of the economic hardship the government shutdown caused to citizens.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, DeKalb County Community Development Department, and the DeKalb County School District hosted a press conference to highlight the work being done to assist local families with food, housing and transportation in DeKalb County.
“Across the nation, and right here in DeKalb County, families are feeling the effects of a challenging economy,” Cochran-Johnson said during the press conference. “As costs rise and uncertainty continues, we are responding with compassion, coordination, and action.”
Cochran-Johnson highlighted several recent initiatives:
- Distributing more than 6,000 food boxes during a food drive on Nov. 15;
- Launching the Mobile Market in partnership with Retaaza to bring fresh, Georgia-grown produce to residents. Ted Terry, District 6 county commissioner, was recognized for his leadership on this initiative;
- Introducing the DeKalb County Assistance Resource Guide in print and online for programs offering food, housing, healthcare, and financial support;
- Supporting the DeKalb Housing Authority program on HUD housing vouchers;
- Partnering with MARTA to distribute hundreds of turkeys on Nov. 14 at Kensington station;
- Partnering with the First African Baptist Church and New Life Church to distribute 800 food boxes.
The DeKalb County Resource Guide, which was created to connect residents with resources ranging from utilities assistance to senior care, can be accessed here.
Allen Mitchell, DeKalb’s community development department director, also announced the launch of the HOME-American Rescue program to address instability for those residents who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. For more information, call (404) 687-3500.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more stable, and more compassionate DeKalb County where every resident has access to housing and the resources they need to thrive,” Mitchell said in a statement.