DeKalb County officials have announced a series of initiatives aimed at supporting families facing economic difficulties. At a press conference, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, joined by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, the Community Development Department, and the DeKalb County School District, outlined measures to address food insecurity and housing instability.
“Across the nation, and right here in Dekalb County, families are feeling the effects of a challenging economy,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “As costs rise and uncertainty continues, we are responding with compassion, coordination, and action”.
One major initiative is DeKalb County’s commitment to pay off all outstanding student meal debt for the county school district. This move will clear negative meal account balances for 1,818 students, totaling $16,530.68. The aim is to allow children to focus on learning without concerns about lunch affordability.
Enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). Despite this decline, the district still enrolled 98,287 students during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented 14% of the student body in that year (https://www.gadoe.org/).
The county has also allocated $400,000 for two food distributions during the holiday season. In partnership with Midwest Food Bank, 800 food boxes will be distributed at several locations including First African Baptist Church and Global Refuge on Memorial Drive and New Life Church in South DeKalb.
Another recent effort is the launch of the DeKalb Farm FreshMobile Market. This mobile market delivers fresh produce from Georgia farms directly to senior centers, recreational facilities, and select schools in South DeKalb.
Residents can access support through resources such as the newly developed DeKalb County Resource Assistance Guide and website (www.resourcesindekalb.com), which connects people to programs for food assistance, housing help, utility support, healthcare services, and financial aid.
The county has partnered with MARTA to distribute turkeys at Kensington MARTA Station this Friday at noon. The event aims to reach individuals who rely on public transportation.
Officials are also exploring ways to provide year-round access to nutritious food by supporting local pantries alongside community organizations.
Housing instability is being addressed through the DeKalb HOME-American Rescue Plan Program. The program allocates $5.5 million for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes—including survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking—and provides supportive services like case management and employment assistance.
Community Development Department Director Allen Mitchell highlighted these efforts: “Together, we are building a stronger, more stable, and more compassionate DeKalb County where every resident has access to housing and the resources they need to thrive.”
Eligible residents seeking assistance can call (404) 687-3500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for pre-screening through the Coordinated Entry System.
