This morning, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, alongside the Board of Commissioners, the Community Development Department, and the DeKalb County School District, unveiled a series of measures aimed at assisting families navigating financial difficulties. n n”Families across the nation, including here in DeKalb County, are grappling with the pressures of a strained economy,” stated CEO Cochran-Johnson. “With rising expenses and ongoing uncertainty, we are responding through coordinated efforts rooted in empathy and action.” n nAmong the key initiatives announced: n nDeKalb County will clear all unpaid student meal balances within the school district. Currently, 1,818 students carry negative account balances amounting to $16,530.68. Eliminating this debt ensures that children can attend school without meal-related stress, easing the burden on households facing economic strain. n nAn allocation of $400,000 has been made to fund two major food distribution events during the holiday season. In collaboration with Midwest Food Bank, 800 food boxes will be handed out this Saturday at 10:00 AM at First African Baptist Church, Global Refuge on Memorial Drive, and New Life Church in South DeKalb, targeting communities with the greatest need based on demographic data. n nThe DeKalb Farm Fresh Mobile Market has been introduced to deliver fresh produce sourced from local Georgia farms directly to senior centers, recreation facilities, and select schools in South DeKalb. n nWorking with DeKalb County Human Services, the administration has launched the DeKalb County Resource Assistance Guide and an accompanying website (www.resourcesindekalb.com), offering residents centralized access to programs supporting food security, housing, utility assistance, healthcare, and financial aid. n nA partnership with MARTA will facilitate a turkey distribution event this Friday at noon at the Kensington MARTA Station, improving access for individuals dependent on public transit. n nAdditional efforts are underway to combat food insecurity by expanding year-round access to nutritious food through support for local food pantries and community-based organizations. Further details on this initiative will be shared in the coming weeks. n nThe DeKalb HOME-American Rescue Plan Program is actively addressing housing instability with $5.5 million in funding. This program supports: n nIndividuals and families experiencing homelessness n nThose at risk of becoming homeless n nSurvivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking n nVulnerable populations facing housing challenges n nBeyond financial aid, the HOME-ARP program offers supportive services such as case management, job placement assistance, behavioral health referrals, childcare coordination, and transportation support. Eligible residents must reside in DeKalb County and complete a pre-screening via the Coordinated Entry System by calling (404) 687-3500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. n nAllen Mitchell, Director of the Community Development Department, emphasized the importance of the HOME-ARP program in stabilizing housing for at-risk individuals, including survivors of interpersonal violence. He encouraged eligible residents to apply by contacting the same number. n n”Together, we are fostering a more resilient, stable, and compassionate community where every resident has the opportunity to secure housing and access essential resources,” said Mitchell. n
— news from DeKalb County (.gov)
— News Original —
DeKalb County CEO Hosts Press Conference Announcing Support for Families Amid Economic Challenges
At a press conference this morning, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, DeKalb County Community Development Department, and the DeKalb County School District, announced initiatives to support families during difficult economic times. n n“Across the nation, and right here in Dekalb County, families are feeling the effects of a challenging economy,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “As costs rise and uncertainty continues, we are responding with compassion, coordination, and action”. n nCEO Cochran-Johnson highlights several recent initiatives: n nDeKalb County will pay off all outstanding student meal debt for the DeKalb County School District. Currently, 1,818 students have negative meal account balances, totaling $16,530.68. By eliminating this debt, we are ensuring that every child in DeKalb can come to school and focus on learning, while parents who may be facing challenges don’t have to worry about whether they can afford lunch for their children. n nDeKalb County has invested $400,000 in two food distributions to feed DeKalb residents during the holiday season. n nIn partnership with Midwest Food Bank we will donate 800 food boxes that will be distributed this Saturday at 10:00 AM at First African Baptist Church and Global Refuge on Memorial Drive and New Life Church in South DeKalb – ensuring support reaches those who need it most based on demographics. n nLaunched the DeKalb Farm Fresh Mobile Market. The Mobile Market brings fresh, locally grown produce directly from Georgia farms to South DeKalb senior centers, recreational facilities and select schools. n nIn conjunction with DeKalb County Human Services, the CEO has developed the DeKalb County Resource Assistance Guide and website (www.resourcesindekalb.com) — these comprehensive tools connect residents to programs for food, housing, utility, healthcare, and financial support. n nPartnership with MARTA to distribute turkeys on Friday at 12:00 NOON at the Kensington MARTA Station, this food distribution will provide access to individuals who rely on public transportation. n nExploring opportunities to support DeKalb residents facing food insecurities by working towards providing year-round access to nutritious food by supporting local food pantries alongside community organizations and leaders. In weeks ahead we will share more about this initiative. n nDeKalb HOME-American Rescue Plan Program is working around the clock to address housing instability across DeKalb with $5.5 million to support: n nIndividuals and families experiencing homelessness n nPeople at risk of homelessness n nSurvivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking n nVulnerable populations facing housing instability n nThrough the HOME-ARP program also provides supportive services such as case management, employment assistance, behavioral health referrals, childcare coordination, and transportation. To apply, qualifying residents must live in DeKalb County and complete a pre-screening through the DeKalb Coordinated Entry System by calling (404) 687-3500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. n nTo access the resource guide, click here. n nCommunity Development Department Director, Allen Mitchell, reported the launch HOME-American Rescue program to address home 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. Eligible residents, to apply, call 404-687-3500. n n“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,” said Mr. Mitchell.