Lithonia providing financial assistance for residents, small businesses

Lithonia is currently accepting applications for several coronavirus relief programs.

The DeKalb County city budgeted $50,000 for small business grants along with $35,000 for a rent, mortgage and utility assistance program for residents, city administrator LaThaydra Sands said. Each small business grant can be up to $500, while residents can receive up to $1,000 of financial assistance.

Lithonia began accepting applications last week and will close the application window Thursday. As of Monday morning, the city had received two applications, Sands said. The city has roughly 2,500 residents, according to the most recent Census data.

Businesses within the city’s limits that have operated since March 2019 are eligible for the small business grant program, Sands said. Their occupation tax certificate must also be up to date, and the business owner will have to provide supporting documents to prove the pandemic’s effects.

For residents to qualify, they must live in the city’s limits and can’t be behind on their tax payments. They will also have to provide supporting documents to the city to prove hardship, Sands said.

The programs are funded with a portion of Lithonia’s allotment of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds. Lithonia received roughly $264,000 in CARES funds, which was the second smallest amount among DeKalb’s 12 cities.

Lithonia used its CARES funds for more than 20 programs. The small business grant program was given the largest budget followed by $26,000 for coronavirus-related signage, $25,000 for hazard pay, $10,000 for operational supplies and $10,000 for personal protective equipment purchases.