ATLANTA — People across metro Atlanta are struggling to pay their rent due to steep rent price increases.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln is learning that several counties are providing options to help people avoid homeless because of rent hikes.

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond says that things are so dire, they are having to pivot to fill a necessary void.

“Prices are skyrocketing in a very short order,” he said. “And we have to respond so that people can remain safe in affordable housing.”

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Thousands are lining up to receive rental assistance.

Wednesday, the county announced that they are planning to issue $25 million from the state in order to help those in need of rental assistance.

“We were working with a lady today and her rent went from $1,000 to $1,800,” Thurmond said.

Kimberly Haughton, a single mother of two says her rent jumped up $500.

“I just cannot fathom that this is our reality,” she said.

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In Douglasville, renter Dany Roberson says she is one of dozens of seniors at her property who are face with the possibility of moving after being told their rent is jumping up $400.

“This is my home and it’s hard facing the fact that I may not be able to say,” Roberson told Lincoln. “At our age, we just want peace, knowing that you’re ok.”

Lincoln found that since the beginning of the pandemic, the City of Atlanta and Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Cobb counties have collectively given out more than $159 million in state and federal funds.

Thurmond says that’s not something that was done prior to the pandemic.

“We are so thankful that we have additional resources,” Thurmond said.

Many rental assistance programs were only providing aid to those who fell on hard times because of the pandemic, but are not helping people who can’t pay their rent because of the increase in rental prices.

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You can click here for assistance programs in the state of Georgia, Cobb County, Fulton County and Gwinnett County.

There are also non-profits across the metro area that may be able to help.

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