DeKalb Residents Encouraged to Attend Town Hall Addressing Solutions to County’s Housing Crisis

Current initiatives taking place on the local and state level to provide permanent housing solutions to be discussed

District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host a special town hall to address the state of housing in DeKalb County and the current initiatives taking place on the local and state level to provide permanent housing solutions.

The DeKalb County Housing Crisis Solutions Town Hall will occur this Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. and will take place virtually on Zoom.

“My office receives many inquiries from residents who are seeking affordable housing options,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “By the time they reach out to me, they are often in need of immediate assistance and have reached a state of crisis. I believe it is important that everyone knows where to find programs offering housing solutions that fit their specific set of circumstances.”

The DeKalb County Housing Crisis Town Hall will shed light on DeKalb County Housing Authority’s selection process, highlight current interest and mortgage rates, and most importantly address housing assistance programs and home loan opportunities.

Additionally, experts will share information with homeowners and renters regarding DeKalb County’s Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition program, as well as where Georgia stands from a state level perspective on housing issues & legislation.

Moderated by Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, the panel of experts will include:

• Dan Baskerville, senior policy director at Dentons US LLP
• Mary Bell, clerk of DeKalb State and Magistrate Courts
• Tony Kimbrough, CEO at Veterans Empowerment Organization
• Fariz Morani, CEO at Access Loans & Financing
• Kimberly Pickett, financial wellbeing coach at Operation HOPE Inc.
• Pete Walker Jr., president and CEO at Housing Authority of DeKalb County

“A lot of people are struggling because they are not aware of the resources available to them,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “It is my hope that this town hall will equip them with the tools they need to thrive and succeed.”

The DeKalb County Housing Crisis Solutions Town Hall is free and open to all DeKalb residents. Interested individuals should register at https://bit.ly/3JOwsRv.

Residents are encouraged to submit questions to be answered during the town hall by emailing amslocum@dekalbcountyga.gov.

For media coverage or to schedule an interview with Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, email amslocum@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-547-2696.