Families who are feeling the weight of economic struggles brought on by the coronavirus could soon get some much-needed relief.

  Samaritans Together of Henry County is planning to give money to families in need, pending the approval of county funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

  Director Kaye Sheets said the nonprofit organization will help residents pay their mortgage or rent, and utilities.

  “I’ve been told different things about how much money this is going to be,” said Sheets. “We have so many people who haven’t paid any bills for four or five months.”

  Sheets said she hopes to approve more sizable amounts than in years past, due to economic challenges presented by the pandemic. She said regardless of whether Samaritans Together receives county funds for the endeavor, she is forging ahead with the plan in order to help families in need.

  “We will start calling back on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, and start scheduling people for appointments,” said Sheets. “You must be a Henry County resident, and your income must be negatively affected in some way, to qualify. We’ll start off with existing money first, hoping to enlarge the pool through the CARES Act.”

  Samaritans Together launched more than 25  years ago in Henry County, to enable local residents in need to keep their homes. Sheets said economic struggles brought on by the coronavirus have heightened the need for such services this time around.

  “We’re hoping to be able to give more than we’ve been able to give,” she said. “We’re hoping to serve more clients than we’ve been able to serve.”

  To be considered for the relief funds, residents are asked to call 678-565-6135 ext. 3, and provide the required information.

  “As soon as funds are released, appointments will be scheduled regularly, so keep checking back with us about availability of funds. Until then, existing funds will be used for the same purposes until depleted.”

  For more information, call 678-565-3449.