Hope Inc.

faqs

FAQs

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

1. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify? Proof of residency is required and a copy of your social security card, birth certificate or U.S. passport will be required upon application.

2. Do I have to have a job or can I qualify if I am unemployed? No, you must be gainfully employed either full-time or part-time for at least 6 consecutive months prior to applying. Proof of employment/proof of income (the last 4 paycheck stubs) will be required.

3. Is there a minimum/maximum income I need to make to qualify? All applicants need to show a “financial need” as determined by our criteria. Details will be discussed during a phone interview.

4. What if I receive government, state, SSI or disability benefits instead of a paycheck? Although you have a “source” of income, our participants must be actively employed to receive our assistance. We strive to assist single parents that do not have any resources available through other government programs, and there are other programs that support SSI benefits recipients.

5. Do I have to be currently attending college or can I apply if I plan to go to college soon? Our participants must already be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited 2 year or 4-year college or university, which includes junior colleges and private colleges, and maintain a B average/ 2.75 GPA. Proof of academic enrollment is required showing GPA and transcripts must be submitted after each semester/quarter.

6. What is considered a college degree? A college undergraduate degree is an Associates or Bachelors degree administered by a 2 year or 4-year college or university, which includes junior colleges and private colleges.Certifications, diplomas, or any trade specific degrees are not eligible degrees.

7. Do I need to have my high school diploma? Our participants must be a high school grad or have successfully attained their GED.

8. I am a single parent. Can I get assistance for a graduate school degree? We reserve our assistance to single parents in an undergraduate school program, at a 2 year or 4-year college or university, both public and private.

9. Can I get assistance paying tuition? We do not offer scholarships or tuition assistance. At times, we may receive scholarship opportunities from local organizations looking to assist single parents with tuition, and we refer them to our participants at that time.

10. Do you cover books and school supplies? We look at opportunities like this on a one-time-only emergency basis and only provide this assistance to a participant currently in our program.

11. I am interested in childcare assistance. At what age will my children no longer be eligible? If your child is old enough to not attend childcare, you are not eligible to receive childcare assistance. Proof of dependency will be required. Childcare assistance is provided up to $100 per week, regardless of the number of children you have. Assistance will be made available to qualified participants for a maximum of 2 years for a 2-year college or 4 years for a 4-year college, as long as the children are still eligible to attend childcare. Vouchers are issued directly to the childcare provider.

12. How long can I get assistance paying my rent? Once your children, still living with you, are old enough to be employed, you are no longer eligible for rent assistance. Proof of dependency will be required. As a qualified participant, rent assistance will be made available up to $400 per month for a maximum of 2 years for a 2-year college and 4 years for a 4-year college. Subsidized housing vouchers are paid directly to the landlord.

13. I don’t live in Georgia. Can I still apply? At this time, we are only accepting applications from those in the Metro Atlanta area. However, in the past, we have been known to accept applicants from out-of-state or grant ONE-TIME ONLY EMERGENCY assistance to participants that have moved out-of-state.

14. Can I apply in person? All applications are accepted only through our online system. 

15. Is there a number I can call with questions? Due to our small number of staff, we prefer to receive all inquiries or applications via our website, for better handling. However, you may leave us a message at (678)695-6688 if you have questions that have not been answered on our website FAQ. We will return your call at our earliest convenience. 

16. How soon will I know the status of my application? We make every attempt to respond to each application quickly; however, due to the volume of applications received each day, we appreciate your patience. We will respond via email as soon as your application and required documents have been received, reviewed, and processed. If additional information is needed, we will also let you know via email. If you are eligible, you will receive an email requesting times for a phone interview. If you are ineligible, a denial letter will be sent by email.

17. If accepted will I have to pay the funds back? No. The funds received are not loans and are not required back.

18. If I applied before, and was not approved, am I eligible to apply again? Yes, you are able to apply again if you meet the criteria when you submit your new application. 

19. Is there a waiting list for applicants? We do not have a waiting list but will enforce one when our program capacity has been met. If there is a waiting list you will be notified at the time of your initial interview.