Small Administration Provides Help When Atlantic City Residents Need It Most

Even in the most challenging circumstances, the Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Administration continues to demonstrate that taking care of Atlantic City residents will always be its top priority. Whether addressing long-term housing stability or responding to immediate weather-related needs, Mayor Small is focused on ensuring the Atlantic City community has the support needed to stay safe and secure.

This commitment was recently highlighted through two key initiatives aimed at supporting residents facing financial hardship and extreme winter conditions. Together, these efforts reflect an administration that plans for the future and responds quickly when residents need help the most.

Recognizing the financial strain many households are experiencing, Mayor Small announced a $400,000 investment to assist low-to-moderate income Atlantic City residents with rental and utility costs. The funding is evenly divided, with $200,000 dedicated to rental assistance and $200,000 allocated for utility assistance. By helping residents remain housed and keep essential services running, the program focuses on stability and long-term well-being, not just short-term relief. In 2025, a similar initiative was used to help more than 100 families avoid or get out of homelessness.

The City of Atlantic City’s Department of Health and Human Services is overseeing the assistance through individualized case management, ensuring each applicant receives guidance and support while confirming they can sustain their housing and utilities after aid is provided. This hands-on approach reflects the administration’s belief that meaningful help is about setting residents up for success.

At the same time, the Small Administration has not lost sight of the immediate challenges facing residents during a harsh winter. As frigid temperatures gripped the region, Mayor Small hosted a Winter Coat Giveaway at City Hall, providing warmth and relief to the more than 300 residents who took advantage of the event. Men’s, women’s, and children’s coats in a wide range of sizes were distributed, ensuring families had what they needed to stay protected from the cold.

The coats, generously donated to the city, are part of a broader effort to make sure no residents are left vulnerable during extreme weather. Any remaining coats will continue to serve the community through upcoming city initiatives, including the “Heat the Streets” event on February 17^th at City Park (across South Carolina Avenue from City Hall).

Even the toughest of times will not stop the Small Administration from caring for its community.

‍