FreeRent.Org

For one year, selected households receive rent support for up to 12 months, financial education classes and coaching, regular check-ins and goal setting, connections to community resources, and access to Roots Growth with savings incentives. Rent is paid directly to the landlord or property manager each quarter as households keep up with their program goals.

Working, renting households with an active lease within the City of Atlanta limits; household income between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income; at least one adult who has worked full-time for a year or more; rent around $2,000 or less, with rent and utilities no more than 50% of monthly income; and a recent, unexpected hardship such as medical expenses, a family crisis or a natural disaster.

Every participant works to save at least three months of rent, pay down debt, build confidence with money, and make real progress on their personal and career goals.

It starts with an eligibility screening. Qualified applicants are invited to a full application, then interviews with the FreeRent team and review committee, then a background check, employment verification and a soft credit check that doesn’t affect your score. For the 2027 cohort, screening ran October 5–12, 2026; selected households will hear by December 2026, and the program begins in January 2027.

In the first half of the year, the 2026 cohort saved over $60,000, paid down over $30,000 in debt and completed 300+ hours of financial education and one-on-one support. 95% felt more confident with money.

It depends on each year’s budget and fundraising. In 2026, the grant supported 18 families for a full year and 26 more with partial support.

You can share any past-due amount in your application. Decisions are made case by case within the budget.

Not for the 2027 cohort: applicants apply for themselves.

Yes. Email atl@freerent.org for help with forms, translation or accessibility needs.