Programs
DeKalb County’s Community Development Department administers housing and neighborhood stabilization programs that support safe, decent, and sustainable living conditions for eligible residents. Programs such as DeKalb Cares, Special Purpose Home Repair, Senior Tree Removal Assistance, and Home-ARP provide targeted resources to address critical home repairs, health and safety concerns, and housing stability. All programs require pre-qualification and a completed application, and assistance is provided in accordance with established eligibility requirements and available funding. Residents are encouraged to review program guidelines and submit required documentation to determine qualification.
DeKalb CARES Plumbing Repair
The DeKalb CARES Plumbing Repair Program provides no-cost plumbing repairs to income-eligible households across DeKalb County. This program is designed to help homeowners fix critical plumbing issues – such as sewer, septic, and water leaks – that can impact safety, health, and quality of life. Qualified residents can receive assistance if their home is their primary residence, they live in DeKalb County, and their household income is at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (as defined by HUD).
Learn More
- Water leak repairs
- Plumbing system fixes
- Septic-to-sewer connections
Apply: Call 404-371-2727 or download application
Special Purpose Home Repair
Through the Special Purpose Home Repair Program, we provide support to qualified households across DeKalb County. This program is specifically designed for seniors (62 and older) and adults with disabilities (21 and older), offering assistance with critical home repairs. These repairs address serious issues that may threaten the stability of the home or create health and safety risks due to hazardous or unsanitary conditions.
- Structural issues
- Unsafe or unsanitary conditions
- Apply: Homeowner Pre-Application Form
Senior Tree Removal
The Senior Tree Removal Program provides no-cost assistance to eligible DeKalb County seniors (age 62 and older) for the safe removal of hazardous trees that pose risks to residents and their property. This program helps protect both homes and neighborhoods while supporting seniors who may not otherwise be able to afford tree removal services.
Homeowner Eligibility:
- Must be a DeKalb County homeowner age 62 or older
- The property must be the homeowner’s principal residence
- Total household income must be at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by HUD
How to Apply:
- Obtain a Pre-Application Card:
- Call 404-371-2693 to request a card
- Complete and return the Pre-Application Card by mail or in person to this address:
DeKalb Community Development Department
178 Sams Street, Suite A-3500
Decatur, GA 30030
HOME-ARP Program
DeKalb County has been awarded $7.8 million through the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) to help residents who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of losing housing, or fleeing unsafe living situations.
This funding provides:
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Helping eligible households secure safe, decent, and affordable rental housing
- Supportive Services: Connecting clients with resources such as employment assistance, mental health care, food access, and financial counseling to promote long-term stability
Through strong partnerships with local organizations and coordination with the County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) and Coordinated Entry (CE) system, the HOME-ARP program focuses on reducing homelessness, preventing housing loss, and supporting vulnerable populations. All services are designed to be client-centered, trauma-informed, and equitable.
Apply: Call DeKalb Coordinated Entry at 404-687-3500, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
View ARP Applicant Information