Local residents in North Carolina have access to numerous charitable organizations and federal agencies that provide emergency rental assistance. The programs are designed to support low-income and at-risk individuals and families by preventing them from being evicted from their homes. Because of the diversity of housing assistance programs, applicants should review the eligibility criteria, which are need-based and require verification of income and family size.
Brunswick Family Assistance Agency
Brunswick Family Assistance Agency is a nonprofit organization located in Shallotte, North Carolina. The agency receives funding from a variety of sources, including the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Local residents in need of food, clothing, disaster assistance and emergency funds can contact the agency directly. In 2009, BFA provided $158,000 in rental assistance and emergency shelter to 484 households. In addition to rental assistance, BFA funds also support residents with their heating and utility payments, and are available to purchase clothing and prescription drugs.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministry is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was founded by a group of local clergy in 1974. The organization is dedicated to helping low-income workers through advocacy and financial support. Local residents facing a financial emergency are eligible to receive support to help pay their rent and utility bills. To qualify, applicants must have lived in their residence for a minimum of 60 days, and are facing eviction. Applicants should schedule an appointment with the agency for an evaluation. Crisis Assistance also offers mortgage counseling for families who face foreclosure.
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry was founded in 1969, and is located in Hickory, North Carolina. GHCCM provides health care and pharmacy support as well as financial assistance for its local residents. Prior to receiving any benefits, all applicants must provide their proof of income and personal identification to the client services department for approval. Qualified applicants are eligible for mortgage/rent and utility payment assistance.
Allied Churches of Alamance County
The Allied Churches of Alamance County is based in Burlington, North Carolina. The organization was established in 1982, and provides emergency night shelter, community kitchen and financial assistance through the Christian Assistance Network. Families and individuals undergoing financial emergencies are eligible for assistance to purchase medications or to pay their utility and rent bills. Applicants should make an appointment and receive a financial evaluation to determine their eligibility.
Project HOPE (Housing Opportunities Plus Empowerment)
Project HOPE is a 2009, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant recipient; the organization received more than $1.9 million in housing stimulus funding. In partnership with local agencies, Project HOPE provides up to 18 months of temporary rent and utility assistance to qualified residents in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tags: North Carolina, Crisis Assistance, Project HOPE, rent utility, rental assistance