AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Augusta Housing & Community Development is encouraging residents to apply for their Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

This program helps people who live in Richmond County with their rent, utility and housing-related payments.

They started this intake at May Park on Wednesday afternoon and have seen huge lines.

I spoke with District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson who tells me they have seen the need for assistance go up now more than ever.

“The economy is tough; everything is going up except people’s wages and folks are having issues with that. The need for affordable housing continues to rise in the city of Augusta, the cost of rent is escalating and so people need help and I think if the city has the ability to help then we should,” Johnson said.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is federally funded for short-term support. The application deadline is September 19.

Johnson says the city wants to make sure the people in its community are getting the help they need. He says the city is proud to be able to help when they can.

“This is an opportunity for the city to take the resources to the community so that folks can get to a better place in their lives.” He continued to say, “It feels good to know that we’re able to help people with their rent because again folks have needs and we can’t put ourselves in a position to judge or to act as if that need isn’t there and so this is good because folks need help and we’re able to deliver.”  

There will be more intake opportunities over the course of this month:

Robert Howard Community Center – Saturday, August 9th from 10am – 2pm

May Park – Wednesday, August 20th 12pm – 7pm

Robert Howard Community Center – Saturday, August 23rd from 10am – 2pm