The Georgia Fresh Start program is an initiative that will provide a one-time crisis assistance payment for qualified families to pay past-due utilities and/or shelter expenses. Led by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, the program will distribute a maximum payment per family of up to $3,000.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, resident of the state of Georgia, caretaker or non-custodial parent of a minor dependent child living in the home, and have an income at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For more information about eligibility, click here to access requirements.
United Way will review and approve eligibility, and disburse payment to vendors according to DHS Fresh Start program guidelines. For areas with access to 2-1-1, please do not call your local United Way office. A listing of participating Fresh Start agencies is below.
Counties no longer accepting Fresh Start applications
Because Fresh Start is a statewide program, each region and corresponding counties were allocated a certain amount of Fresh Start dollars. Since implementing the program in early June, many counties have now reached their allocated amount and are no longer accepting new Fresh Start applicants. Click here to see if your county is no longer accepting applications.
Important documents:
Fresh Start Georgia financial crisis assistance
Fresh Start Georgia participating agency list
Fresh Start eligibility checklist
Fresh Start FAQs
Fresh Start Agency training schedule
Fresh Start posters (in English):
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Full Color
Fresh Start posters (in Spanish):
Black & White
Full Color