FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESS:
MAC is taking Rent and Utility assistance referrals through ARCHI. Please click the button below to access the link for the ARCHI application.
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance
MAC provides a safety net to help precent eviction and disconnection of electricity, gas and water.
MAC helps low-income, working households that are in a period of crisis. We help our neighbors prevent eviction and disconnection of electricity, gas, and water.
Need help? Click the button to learn more about MAC’s guidelines for assistance.
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Qualifications for Rent & Utility Assistance
- Must live within MAC’s service area 30303, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 63.
- Must have at least a six (6) months paid rental history at present residence for rent assistance, and three (3) months paid for utilities. MAC cannot assist with utilities at a previous address.
- Must have a signed, legal lease in your name – no co-signer.
- For rental assistance, landlord must be a legitimate realty company registered with the GA Secretary of State – no private landlords.
- Must be employed or recently unemployed (within 6 months.)
- Must be primary resident of the home in which rent/utility is being paid.
- You must apply as a household. Roommates or other family members cannot apply separately.
- You must provide documents to verify your emergency and lack of financial resources.
- For utility assistance the bill must be in your name, or the name of a member of the household.
- Must provide documentation that you have sufficient income to maintain rent/utility payments if MAC is able to help this time. MAC requires that your verifiable take home income is or was at least twice the monthly rent amount. For example, if your rent amount is $750/month, you would have to provide documentation that at some point take-home income was at least $1,500/month.
- MAC cannot assist with rent in student housing or government subsidized housing such as Atlanta Housing Authority or Section 8.
- Students must qualify based on their employment income. Your emergency cannot be based on school related expenses or funding.
- Must provide any additional documentation necessary to substantiate need for assistance (i.e. receipts from unexpected bills, police reports, doctor reports).
- Clients are expected to pay as much as possible toward the rent or utility bill.
- All money is made payable to the landlord/company, never MAC or a third party.
- All financial cases must complete a Budget Analysis Form and sign a Consent to Release of Information.
- MAC cannot handle large balances in 2023. Applicant will need to have the balance through some means versus what MAC can assist with.
Documents Needed for Rent & Utility Assistance
- Picture ID
- Social Security Card
- Eviction Notice (if under warrant)
- Letter from Landlord documenting current rent balance
- 3 months worth of pay stubs from employer
- Proof of loss of income and/or emergency situation
- Balance of the amount owed after our pledge
- Additional documentation as needed
REFERRALS
When clients are ineligible for programs or are in need of more than MAC can provide, staff can refer clients to partner organizations in the Metro Atlanta area. Be sure to contact United Way at 211 to find a full list of resources for your specific need in your zip code.
Appointments are required for assistance.
For more information see MAC’s Guidelines for assistance.
Important: When giving assistance MAC never asks for money to be paid to MAC or any of our employees. We always have clients pay their portion directly to their landlord or utility company. Do not become a victim of scammers claiming otherwise.