Clayton County — home to Jonesboro, Forest Park, Riverdale, Morrow, and College Park — sits in the Atlanta metro south of the city and has a well-developed network of faith-based and government emergency assistance programs for residents facing eviction or rent hardship.
The anchor of the system is the Clayton County Community Services Authority (CCCSA) — a nonprofit community action agency established in 1966 that serves Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties. Most other programs in Clayton County either coordinate with CCCSA or serve as complementary alternatives when CCCSA funds are exhausted.
Before contacting any individual organization, dial 2-1-1 — United Way of Greater Atlanta’s helpline, available 24/7 — to identify which programs currently have funding available for your specific zip code.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Clayton County
- Payments go directly to landlords — checks or electronic payments are made to your landlord
- One-time or annual assistance — most programs help once per calendar year or once per crisis
- Clayton County residency required — most programs serve Clayton County residents specifically; CCCSA also serves Henry and Fayette counties
- Documentation required — photo ID, lease, eviction or past-due notice, proof of income
- Funding is limited and fluctuates — always call ahead before visiting; apply to multiple programs simultaneously
1. Clayton County Community Services Authority (CCCSA)
The primary emergency rental assistance hub for Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties.
CCCSA is a nonprofit community action agency established in 1966, designated to provide high-quality human services across Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties. It is the first call for emergency rent and utility assistance in the county.
What CCCSA provides:
- Emergency short-term financial assistance for rent (eviction prevention)
- Utility bill assistance for electric, gas, and heating
- Food assistance
- Weatherization assistance for qualifying low-income households
- Case management services and resource referrals
- Assistance for families and individuals in crisis — evictions, foreclosures, utility disconnections
Address: 1000 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297 Phone: (404) 363-0575 Website: claytoncountycsa.org Service area: Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties
CCCSA also provides assistance specifically to seniors on fixed incomes in the county — if you are 60 or older, mention this when you call, as senior households may qualify for additional or prioritized assistance. For seniors also exploring longer-term housing options, our senior apartments for $300 a month guide explains income-based housing programs available in Georgia.
2. Salvation Army — Clayton County
Emergency rent and utility assistance to prevent eviction or utility disconnection.
The Salvation Army provides emergency rent and utility assistance to people in need in Clayton County, aimed at ending homelessness or preventing eviction and utility cutoff.
Phone: (770) 724-1661 Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org
Call ahead to confirm current program availability, intake hours, and documentation requirements. For a full overview of how Salvation Army emergency assistance programs work nationally, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
3. Catholic Charities Atlanta — Clayton County Area
Short-term financial assistance for rent and utilities for families in financial emergencies.
Catholic Charities Atlanta provides short-term emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities to families experiencing financial emergencies in the greater Atlanta area, including Clayton County. Services are available regardless of religious affiliation.
Phone: (770) 429-2369 Website: catholiccharitiesatlanta.org
Call to confirm current service hours and intake requirements for Clayton County residents.
4. Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Clayton County
Parish-based emergency rent, utility, food, and clothing assistance.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides financial aid for rent, utilities, food, and clothing to people and families in need in Clayton County. SVdP assistance is funded by parish community donations.
Phone: (770) 477-2388
Contact SVdP at this number to identify the conference serving your address and schedule an intake. As with all SVdP programs, assistance is geographically assigned to parish territories — the number above will help route you to the correct conference for your zip code.
5. Jonesboro First United Methodist Church
Limited financial assistance for rent and utilities in Jonesboro.
Jonesboro First United Methodist Church offers limited financial assistance for rent and utilities to residents in need through its outreach program.
Address: 142 S. Main St, Jonesboro, GA 30236 Phone: (770) 478-6444
Call directly to ask about current availability and eligibility requirements. As a congregation-level program, funds are limited and may not always be available.
6. HOPE Atlanta — Travelers Aid (Eviction Prevention)
Eviction prevention, emergency housing, and veterans services for Clayton County area residents.
HOPE Atlanta — the programs of Travelers Aid — provides eviction prevention services, emergency housing, reunification services, supportive housing, HIV/AIDS services, services for veterans, domestic violence assistance, and street outreach for the homeless across the greater Atlanta area including Clayton County.
Address: 34 Peachtree St NW, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 817-7070 Website: hopeatlanta.org
HOPE Atlanta is particularly relevant for veterans facing eviction — if you or someone in your household is a veteran, mention this when you call, as veteran-specific resources may be available.
7. STEP Program — Hearst Nourish Hope
Temporary rental assistance for Clayton County families facing imminent eviction.
The STEP (Steps Toward Eviction Prevention) Program provides temporary rental assistance specifically for Clayton County families in imminent danger of eviction. The program is intended for applicants who are behind on rent or cannot make a payment that is ordinarily maintainable by their income — it acts as a bridge, not ongoing rent subsidy.
Important: Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Website: heartstonourishhope.org/resources How to apply: Visit the website for current intake information
8. Beth-el Temple Ministries Church International
Rent assistance through the BTMCI Cares initiative.
Beth-el Temple Ministries Church International provides rent assistance and other community support through its BTMCI Cares initiative for residents of Clayton County facing financial hardship.
How to contact: Call the church office directly for current availability and program details
9. Clayton County Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Government-administered emergency rent, utility, and rapid rehousing assistance.
Clayton County administers federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds for emergency shelter operations and homelessness prevention services — including rent and utility assistance, rapid rehousing, street outreach, housing searches, landlord-tenant mediation, legal services, credit repair, child care assistance, transportation, and relocation costs.
How to access: Contact through hud.claytoncountyga.gov or by calling Clayton County’s housing department Website: hud.claytoncountyga.gov/emergency-solutions-grant
ESG-funded programs are particularly valuable for households that need multiple forms of support simultaneously — housing search help, legal services, and rent assistance in one coordinated system. Our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains how to apply for longer-term housing assistance in Georgia alongside these emergency programs.
10. Project SHARE — Georgia Power
Utility assistance with dollar-for-dollar match from Georgia Power.
Project SHARE is a utility assistance program where donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by Georgia Power, with assistance provided within the county where donations are given. Funds help with utilities and housing necessities.
Phone: (770) 441-6200 (Atlanta area) or 1-800-25-SHARE (outside Atlanta) How it works: Administered through the Salvation Army in each county; call the Clayton County Salvation Army at (770) 724-1661 to ask about Project SHARE availability alongside rent assistance
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Clayton County
- Government-issued photo ID for all adults in the household
- Proof of Clayton County residency (lease, utility bill, or official mail with your address)
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, dispossessory warrant, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI award letter, SNAP benefit letter, unemployment documentation)
- Most recent utility bills (even if requesting rent assistance only — most programs require them)
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- Documentation of financial hardship (termination letter, medical bills, unexpected expense)
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Clayton County
Dial 2-1-1: United Way of Greater Atlanta — available 24/7 by phone or online at unitedwayatlanta.org. Connects you to currently funded programs in your zip code.
Calvary Refuge (Emergency Shelter): A faith-based environment for individuals and families offering tools to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Must present a picture ID and be homeless in Clayton County. Space is limited; orientations are held Monday through Friday. Contact through heartstonourishhope.org.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): For heating and cooling utility bill help — administered through Partnership for Community Action, Inc. (PCA); call (404) 929-2500.
Georgia Legal Aid / Atlanta Legal Aid Society: Free legal help for tenants facing dispossessory proceedings in Clayton County. Visit georgialegalaid.org or call Atlanta Legal Aid at (404) 524-5811.
If you also need food assistance: CCCSA provides food help alongside rent assistance. For SNAP food stamps eligibility in Georgia, our Georgia SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply through Georgia’s online COMPASS system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Clayton County, GA?
The primary organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Clayton County include the Clayton County Community Services Authority (404-363-0575; 1000 Main St, Forest Park), the Salvation Army Clayton County (770-724-1661), Catholic Charities Atlanta (770-429-2369), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Clayton County (770-477-2388), Jonesboro First United Methodist Church (770-478-6444), HOPE Atlanta/Travelers Aid (404-817-7070), and the STEP Program through Hearst Nourish Hope (heartstonourishhope.org).
How do I get emergency rent help in Clayton County fast?
Call CCCSA immediately at (404) 363-0575 — they are the primary emergency rent assistance hub for Clayton County. Also dial 2-1-1 to identify all programs currently funded in your zip code. Contact the Salvation Army (770-724-1661), SVdP (770-477-2388), and Catholic Charities (770-429-2369) simultaneously — applying to multiple programs gives the best chance of timely assistance when any one program’s funds are exhausted.
Does Clayton County Community Services Authority help with rent?
Yes. CCCSA provides emergency short-term financial assistance for rent, utilities, and food to families and individuals facing eviction, foreclosures, utility disconnections, and food emergencies across Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties. They also offer case management and resource referrals. Call (404) 363-0575 or visit claytoncountycsa.org.
Who qualifies for rent assistance in Clayton County?
Most programs require: Clayton County residency (or residence in the served area), photo ID, a current lease or proof of tenancy, evidence of financial hardship (eviction notice, past-due notice, or termination letter), and proof of income. Income eligibility follows federal low-income guidelines; most programs target households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. CCCSA also serves Henry and Fayette county residents.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. CCCSA address and phone confirmed from georgialegalaid.org and rentalassistance.us. Salvation Army phone (770) 724-1661, Catholic Charities (770) 429-2369, SVdP (770) 477-2388, and Jonesboro UMC (770) 478-6444 confirmed from multiple current sources. Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Always call before visiting. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.