NC Extends Programs For Rent, Utility Financial Assistance

NORTH CAROLINA — While many hardships and inconveniences from the pandemic are winding down, economic hardships continue for many in North Carolina. For low-income residents experiencing difficulty paying their rent or utilities, there is now a renewed avenue of financial help, Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday.

"Though a lot of the economic fog caused by this pandemic is lifting, many families across the country are still hurting," Cooper said at a news conference.

North Carolina's Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program is currently taking applications for very low-income residents in need of financial assistance for paying rent and utilities. Under the program, applicants can receive up to a year of rent assistance, which may include up to nine months of past due rent. It also covers electricity bills up to $510, natural gas and propane bills up to $135, water bills up to $105 and wastewater bills up to $120.

The program's initial phase last year helped more than 36,000 North Carolinians through more than $133 million in assistance, Cooper said.

"We knew that tough times meant demand would exceed the funding we have available. We saw a flood of applications come in very quickly," he said.

Last month, the state learned it would receive$5.7 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan stimulus funding, which has given the HOPE Program another shot of adrenaline.

SEE ALSO: Cooper Lays Out Pitch For NC Federal Stimulus Spending

"Two weeks ago, North Carolina opened a second application period for the HOPE program using funding from the American Rescue Plan, and I'm pleased to announce that checks are already on their way to landlords and utility companies to keep people in their home with the lights on," Cooper said.

As of June 2, the second phase of the program had already distributed more than 900 checks totaling $1.1 million, Cooper said.

To be eligible for the assistance, the applicant must rent their residence, have been late on a rent or utility payment at some point since April 1, 2020; or been faced with possible eviction or homelessness. Recipients of the assistance must also have lost income due or have become unemployed due to COVID-19. A full list of eligibility requirements for the HOPE program may be found here.

Applicants also do not have to be late on their rent when they apply.

More information about the Hope Program, including how to apply for rental assistance, may be found here.

SEE ALSO:

• 2021 Hurricane Season: NOAA Unveils Predictions For Atlantic
• Carolina Renaissance Festival To Return For 2021: Details
• NC Patch Readers Split On COVID-19 Vaccine For Children: Survey
• NC Offers $25 Cash Cards For First Dose Vaccinations