DeKalb County officials are preparing for the possible suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which could affect more than 54,000 households and approximately 127,000 residents. The county is taking steps to ensure food and housing security as uncertainty continues over SNAP and future HUD Section 8 funding.
According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, unless Congress extends federal funding, SNAP benefits will end on November 1, 2025. Under Georgia’s issuance schedule, interruptions could begin on November 5 if no action is taken. DeKalb County households currently receive about $20.8 million in monthly SNAP benefits.
“Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing our communities,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “While we remain hopeful that Congress will act swiftly to restore program funding, we are preparing for every scenario to ensure DeKalb families have access to the resources they need. We have called on Washington to take immediate action to prevent any disruption in the delivery of critical nutrition assistance to Georgia families.”
Last week, CEO Cochran-Johnson sent letters to federal and state leaders, including Georgia’s congressional delegation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging immediate intervention to protect residents who rely on SNAP and HUD Section 8 vouchers.
In anticipation of potential benefit interruptions, DeKalb County is coordinating with local organizations such as DeKalb County Schools, Housing Authority of DeKalb County, and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. The aim is to strengthen efforts around food security, housing stability, and financial support while maintaining essential services.
For students dependent on federal assistance programs for meals, DeKalb County Schools are working with county officials to continue providing nutritious meals and considering ways to eliminate student meal balances so that no child goes hungry during this period. In the 2022-23 school year, enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). That year saw a total enrollment of 98,287 students (https://www.gadoe.org/), with White students making up 14% of the student body—the third largest ethnic group in county schools (https://www.gadoe.org/).
The county will announce an updated resource guide on November 5 outlining available food pantries, meal programs, and emergency support services across DeKalb. Residents can find these resources at www.resourcesindekalb.com.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta offers water bill assistance through the DeKalb Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) for those experiencing income instability or unemployment delays due to a possible federal shutdown. Information about WRAP can be found at ulgatl.org/dekalb-wrap-program.
For rental and utility assistance needs, residents may contact the HOME-ARP team at 404-687-3500; approximately $6 million remains available for qualifying applicants through this program.
Federal guidelines required all pandemic-related relief funds be spent by December 31, 2024. As these funds expire nationwide amid ongoing shutdowns and appropriations cuts, many communities—including DeKalb—face challenges related to food insecurity and housing instability.
During the pandemic response period from 2020–2024, DeKalb invested $83 million in rent and utility assistance along with $6.3 million for food security using CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds. These provided significant relief but have now expired.
The Housing Authority of DeKalb County expects full funding for Housing Choice Voucher payments in November—about $5.2 million covering nearly 6,000 families.
“We are very pleased and thankful that HUD has come through for us with this funding during this difficult time,” said E.P. “Pete” Walker Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. “At this point, we are operating on a month-to-month basis regarding whether HUD will be able to release funding. We are good for November and have faith that HUD will once again come through for December. It has been our experience that the agency consistently honors its commitments on behalf of families and landlords, and we remain hopeful that they will do so again.”
Despite these efforts, current levels of rental and food assistance remain lower than those available earlier in the pandemic response period. The county continues advocating for additional state and federal resources.
Next week’s Board of Commissioners meeting will consider allocating further funds toward combating food insecurity in partnership with community organizations.
“I want to assure DeKalb residents that we see you, we hear you, and we are working on your behalf,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “DeKalb County is committed to doing everything within our power to support families, children, seniors, and all of our residents in need during this uncertain time.”
A press conference is planned next week; updates can be found at www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
