Atlantic City Launches $400K Rental and Utility Assistance Program for Residents in Need
Mayor Marty Small announces in-person aid to help qualifying residents avoid eviction and utility shutoffs
ATLANTIC CITY — The City of Atlantic City has announced $400,000 in rental and utility assistance aimed at helping residents facing financial hardship remain housed and avoid service shutoffs.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. detailed the initiative during a news conference Tuesday at City Hall, saying the funding will be split evenly, with $200,000 dedicated to rental assistance and $200,000 for overdue utility bills.
The program is open to current Atlantic City residents who meet low-to-moderate income eligibility requirements under State of New Jersey guidelines. Applications must be submitted in person at City Hall, Room 103, located at 1301 Bacharach Blvd.
Residents applying for rental assistance are required to provide a copy of their lease, recent pay stubs, and other required documentation, along with a completed application packet. Rental assistance is capped at $2,500 per applicant.
Utility assistance is available for gas, electric, and water services, with a maximum benefit of $1,000 per applicant. To qualify, residents must be past due on their utility bills, provide a shut-off notice, and show a plan to maintain payments moving forward. The utility account must be in the applicant’s name.
The City’s Department of Health and Human Services will conduct case management for each applicant to determine eligibility and ensure households can sustain their housing and utility obligations after assistance is provided.
“This is very important because it demonstrates our continued investment in the human capital of the great City of Atlantic City,” Small said. “Now more than ever, we must come together as a community and support residents during their time of need. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do, and everyone can benefit from a helping hand at some point in their lives.”
City officials emphasized that the assistance is designed as a stabilization tool, not a long-term subsidy. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain rent and utility payments after receiving support.
Residents seeking additional information may call 609-347-5437 or email mlinder@acnj.gov. Officials said that residents who do not qualify for this specific program will be referred to other available assistance when possible.
According to the city, Atlantic City’s Homeless Outreach Unit—operating under the Department of Health and Human Services—helped prevent or resolve homelessness for more than 100 families in 2025 through similar assistance funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.
