Residents in urgent need of rent relief may be eligible for a one-time payment of up to $2,000, following action taken by the Chapel Hill Town Council on Wednesday, May 6.
Amid the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council allocated $135,000 to assist residents struggling with unpaid rent. This vote comes on the heels of the Town recently updating its Rental and Utility Assistance Program to better serve more people facing emergency housing needs. The program provides financial assistance to secure affordable rental housing or prevent impending eviction for low income residents.
Rental Assistance
The Town is partnering with local nonprofit agencies, Orange County, the Towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough, and the Orange County Housing Helpline to work with residents who need rental assistance. Households, and agencies on behalf of eligible households, can apply for a one-time payment of up to $2,000 to assist with rental payments, including:
Security deposits, utility connections and arrears
Rental payments and arrears
Other urgent housing-related costs in emergency situations
Rental Assistance Applications are available for residents or referring agencies. Applications may be sent to HousingHelp@orangecountync.gov.
Residents who may be eligible to receive rental assistance would need to be low-income, demonstrate an urgent need, and show that they do not have adequate savings to cover their current housing costs. For more information on eligibility criteria visit the Town’s Rental and Utility Assistance Webpage.
If you or someone you know needs support securing affordable housing or emergency rental assistance, please call the Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655.
Homeownership Assistance
A portion of the funds allocated by Council action on May 6 may be used for homeownership assistance to support in the prevention of foreclosure for low to moderate income residents. The Town is currently finalizing the details of this program. For more information, contact Nate Broman-Fulks, Affordable Housing Manager, at nbfulks@townofchapelhill.org.
More information about Housing Assistance for Residents in urgent need can be found at https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/housing-and-community/funding/rental-and-utility-assistance-program
