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.

“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”.

CEO Cochran-Johnson highlights several recent initiatives:

• DeKalb 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.
• DeKalb County has invested $400,000 in two food distributions to feed DeKalb residents during the holiday season.
• In 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.
• Launched 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.
• In 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.
• Partnership 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.
• Exploring 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.
• DeKalb HOME-American Rescue Plan Program is working around the clock to address housing instability across DeKalb with $5.5 million to support: 
  • Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
  • People at risk of homelessness
  • Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
  • Vulnerable populations facing housing instability
• Through 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.

To access the resource guide, click here. 

Community 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.

“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.