Poverty is defined as a shortage of resources, and a shortage of resources usually triggers low well-being. Yet, some people have low well-being without being poor and some are poor without low well-being.

Thomas County Board of Commissioners’ Office and Community Outreach Training Center’s Community Household Assistance Program (CHAP) are here to assist residents who live in the unincorporated areas who’s household income is at or below the federal poverty level.

If applicants receive assistance from any of these programs, they may be eligible for assistance.

  •  Children’s Health Insurance Program “PEACH STATE"

  • Childcare Subsidies through the Child Care and Development Fund “CCDF”

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families "TANF"

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program "SNAP"

  • Free-and Reduced-Price Lunch "NSLP"

  • School Breakfast "SBP" Programs

  • Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidies

  • Supplemental Security Income "SSI"

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children "WIC"

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program "LIHEAP"

  • Medicaid

  • Section 8 Vouchers

  • Pell Grants

We require certain documents and confirmation of residency facts for due diligence purposes. We provide rental assistance for an unexpected temporary financial crisis; not just because you have too many bills or loans to pay.

 IMPORTANT: We will look at your expenses and need to see that you have taken steps to cut out unnecessary and discretionary expenses and are responsibly trying to get back on track.

Mrs. Sharon D Edwards introducing the Thomas County CHAP Program.

Community Household Assistance Program (CHAP)

What is it?

The Thomas County Board of Commissioners received ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds and Community Outreach Training Center, Inc. is the non-profit agency assigned to assist residents living in the Unincorporated areas of Thomas County in maintaining stable, safe housing for household incomes that are 80% of the Median Income limits for Thomas County, Georgia. MUST be a resident in Thomas County and live in the unincorporated areas only. Residents who live in the city limits of: (Barwick, Boston, Coolidge, Meigs, Pavo, Ochlocknee, and Thomasville are NOT eligible!)

MUST provide proof of loss of income due to the pandemic as of January 1, 2022, MUST provide verification of current household income, including:

    • receiving unemployment benefits,

    • returned to work,

    • new employment

    • Retirement

    • SSI, SSD, SSA

    • VA Benefits

    • child support

    • TANF

    • alimony where applicable

    • Self Employed / Home Based Business/ Contract Workers

    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program "SNAP"

HOW IT HELPS YOU

The fund helps you pay a portion of past due mortgage, past due rent, or past due utility assistance, and eviction prevention balances from January 1, 2022 due to loss of income directly impacted by the pandemic.

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY

  • Must be a resident an unincorporated area in Thomas County (Metcalf is eligible)

  • CANNOT live in the City Limits of Thomasville, Pavo, Barwick, Boston, Meigs, Ochlocknee, or Coolidge.

  • Provide proof of loss of income due directly impacted by the pandemic (from January 1, 2022)

  • Provide verification of current household income of everyone over the age of 18.
    (receiving unemployment benefits, returned to work, new employment, SSI and SSDI, child support and alimony where applicable)

  • Provide verification of past due rent/mortgage/utilities or Eviction Notice
    (copy of the most recent bill, copy of the mortgage statement, copy of the lease or statement from the property management company)

  • Must list and provide identification of all members in the household applying for assistance