Rent assistance and mortgage payment program (RAMP)

Important RAMP Program Update: November READY & RAMP Workshops Have Reached Capacity

Thank you for the overwhelming interest in our November READY & RAMP Workshops! We recognize the growing need for housing assistance in our community and appreciate your patience as we work to serve as many Clayton County residents as possible.

All November workshops have reached capacity, and registration is now closed.

Please note the following:

November Workshop Waitlist: Individuals who registered but have not received confirmation of a workshop seat are on the November waitlist. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee a seat. If space becomes available, we will contact registrants by email, in the order their registrations were received, to confirm attendance. There is no need to call our office, however we are happy to respond if needed.

Priority Consideration: Attending a workshop provides an opportunity for priority consideration for RAMP financial assistance but does not guarantee approval or funding. Being on the workshop waitlist alone does not qualify an individual for priority consideration.

Next Steps: Individuals selected to proceed with the RAMP application process will be contacted separately by email and phone with instructions regarding eligibility requirements and necessary documentation. Assistance remains subject to eligibility, documentation, available funding, and program capacity.

We understand how important these resources are to our community and remain committed to connecting residents with opportunities for housing stability and homeownership.

Please continue to visit our website and follow us on social media for program updates and future workshop opportunities.

This process is subject to change as we update our systems and evaluate program capacity. Additional RAMP application opportunities may be announced or ended.

Please monitor www.developclayton.org for the latest information.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to strengthen housing stability and expand opportunities for Clayton County residents.

RAMP Program Overview:

Develop Clayton originally launched emergency assistance to address the public health crisis that impacted communities worldwide. In response to the ongoing financial hardships faced by many Clayton County residents, the Develop Clayton Board of Commissioners has authorized funds for an in-house program designed to assist residents with a one-time payment for one month's rent, mortgage, or a minimal utility payment (up to $350 or the current amount due, whichever is lesser).

Due to high demand and limited funds, the Rent Assistance and Mortgage Payment Program (RAMP) serves as gap support and will currently cover a 30-day window within a 12-month period.

While we are not housing facilitators, we are dedicated to reducing the economic disparities that may prevent individuals from accessing HUD standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing. To request assistance, applicants must meet the program requirements, submit the necessary documentation, and certify their eligibility. Please note that funds are limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee assistance. For your privacy, all collected information will remain confidential, used only for federal and state record-keeping purposes, and withheld from disclosure as applicable.

To apply for RAMP, please ensure you meet the following criteria:

Needs-based prevention of displacement or disconnection (Note: We cannot assist with security deposits, down payments, or first month's rent at this time).
Applicant must reside in Clayton County.
The applicant must be the head of household and/or named on the proof of occupancy.
The applicant's total household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- 2026 AMI Guidelines:
  (1-member max income 66,000)
  (2-member max income 75,440)
  (3-member max income 84,880)
  (4-member max income 94,240)
  (5-member max income 101,840)
  (6-member max income 109,360)
  (7-member max income 116,880)
  (8-member max income 124,400)
The payee (landlord, management company, mortgage company, or utility company) must certify their willingness to participate in the program.
- An acceptance can be rescinded at any time, so please seek to address outstanding and pending balances.

General Description: Rent assistance and mortgage payment program Document Checklist:

If you are prequalified to move forward, you will be required to submit documents from the "RAMP checklist." Please seek to gather them now, as you will have a limited time to submit them after being contacted.

Verification of Identity (2 forms required for all adults over 18)
- Social Security Card and
- State-issued ID or
- Divers License or
- Voter Card/Other or
- Or passport or Military ID (SSC not required)
Verification of Dependents (1 document required for all household members 18 and under)
- Birth Certificates or
- School Identification Card or
- School Registration Documentation
Verification of Income for the last 30 days (All that applies)
- 2-4 consecutive check stubs and/or
- Offer Letter and/or
- SSA Award Letter and/or
- Pension Disbursement Statement and/or
- Bank Statement and/or
- W2 and/or
- State-issued income statement
Proof of occupancy (both forms are required)
- Copy of Lease/Mortgage Statement and
- Copy of a Utility Bill (i.e. Electric, Water, or Gas)
Proof of current standing (not required for utility assistance as noted on current bill)
- Demand Letter/Eviction Notice or
- Notice from rental portal/ledger or
- Mortgage Statement