Hardship:
For the purposes of this program, “hardship” shall be defined as any condition, circumstance, or event beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, who must be an actively employed first responder within Henry County, Georgia.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 45-9-81, a “first responder” means:

• A peace officer, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2, who is employed by and appointed or certified by the State of Georgia or a political subdivision thereof;

• A firefighter who is employed by a municipal, county, or state fire department;

• An emergency medical technician or paramedic employed by a licensed emergency medical service, a state agency, or a political subdivision thereof; and

• An individual employed by a public agency, municipality, or county as a 911 emergency communications officer.

Accordingly, qualifying applicants include sworn law enforcement officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and 911 emergency services personnel who serve Henry County, Georgia.

Such hardship must result in a substantial and detrimental impact on the applicant’s financial, physical, or emotional well-being, thereby impairing the ability to meet essential and necessary living expenses. A qualifying hardship may arise from, but is not limited to, the following situations:

1. Medical Hardship – Serious illness, injury, or disability of the applicant or an immediate family member that creates unexpected medical expenses or requires ongoing treatment that strains financial resources.

2. Family Hardship – Death of a spouse, child, or other dependent; divorce or separation resulting in financial strain; or circumstances where the applicant has become the primary caregiver for a dependent due to unforeseen events.

3. Natural Disaster or Emergency Hardship – Damage or loss caused by fire, flood, storm, or other acts of nature, as well as emergencies such as accidents or unforeseen crises that significantly impact the applicant’s stability.

4. Other Extraordinary Circumstances – Any other unexpected or unavoidable event not specifically enumerated above that, in the judgment of the REWFW, Inc. Board, constitutes a substantial hardship and warrants consideration.

Applicants must demonstrate, and if requested, provide reasonable documentation of the hardship claimed. The REWFW, Inc. Board reserves the sole right and discretion to determine whether a hardship qualifies under this definition and to approve, deny, or limit assistance accordingly.