A new statewide program is providing rent and utility relief to North Carolinians experiencing financial hardship.
The North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions program, or HOPE, has already had 12,000 eligible applicants file for assistance in the first week.
HOPE makes direct payments to landlords and utility services on behalf of residents who meet certain criteria. They must have been financially affected by the pandemic, make 80 percent or less of the area median income, use the home as a permanent residence, and be behind on their bills when they apply.
The assistance can be offered for up to six months.
The $117 million program is funded with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds, and the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus Relief funds.
The North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency will distribute the money through community partner agencies across the state.
Residents who want to apply can go to the program's website or call 2-1-1.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.