Update 11/03/2021

NEW – From November 1 through March 31, utility companies cannot disconnect service to households that include someone:

  • who is disabled or age 65 or older;
  • is unable to pay under an installment plan;
  • and is certified by a local social services agency as eligible to receive assistance under an energy assistance program.

Resources to help with rent and utilities

In August, the US Supreme Court overturned the CDC’s eviction moratorium. This ruling allows landlords to resume evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent.

Federal rental assistance is still available. If you are struggling to pay rent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact the resources below for assistance.

State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters and landlords who are struggling to keep up with rent and bills during the pandemic.

DRNC’s Project Eviction Prevention and the HOPE program

Please Note: The HOPE Program has closed the application period for new applications and reapplications as of Friday, Dec. 17.

DRNC is no longer assisting with processing applications. We are providing intensive case management services to assist people who already have pending applications.

You can call the project hotline at 919-227-3952 to learn more.

Financial assistance programs

Certain counties will receive funds to provide assistance. If you live in one these counties, contact these groups to see if they can help you.

Other help for tenants and landlords

Consumer Financial Protect Bureau (CFPB) Rental Assistance Finder. The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help renters and landlords understand other resources to help navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic.

NC 211 Resource database

The NC 211 is an information and referral service that can help you find free and confidential information about services and resources in your community. You can dial 2-1-1 to speak with a call specialist, or use the NC 211 resource database to search for resources and organizations near you.

Community Action Agencies

Community action agencies work to help people get out of poverty. They may be able to help you get a HUD voucher. View this map to find a community action agency near you.

Learn more about the eviction process

Legal Aid produced this eviction guide to help tenants understand the eviction process and make informed decisions.

View DRNC’s housing rights page if you have disability-related housing concerns.

The HOPE Program

The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program can help with back payment of rent and utilities. The program now accepts referrals from landlords directly. Landlords whose tenants are having trouble paying rent should contact the program and submit the contact information for their tenants.

Additionally, the program has increased the amount of the award limits for rent and utilities both as of Aug.1,2021.

The HOPE Program offers landlords and qualifying tenants an opportunity to resolve some payment issues without litigation. It is aimed at low-income tenants who have experienced financial hardships due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The program will pay the landlords of eligible applicants up to 15 months of rent – 12 months of past due rent and 3 months of future rent.

Visit the HOPE program’s website to apply. These funds will go fast, so apply as soon as possible. You can also contact the HOPE Call Center at (888) 9ASK-HOPE or (888) 927-5467, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Both English- and Spanish-speaking HOPE specialists are available to help callers.

If possible, use the website rather than calling them.

View the HOPE Flyer