The HOPE program provides rent and utility assistance to people affected by the pandemic
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ALEXANDER COUNTY (July 27, 2021) – Tenants who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic now have some HOPE. The NC Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program is currently accepting applications for rent and utility assistance.
The HOPE program serves low-income renters in 88 North Carolina counties, including Alexander County. Low income is defined as income less than or equal to 80% of the median income for the region of the county in which the tenant lives ($ 48,250 for a family of four in Alexander County).
To benefit from the aid, the applicant must: rent his place of residence; have missed payment of rent or utilities since April 1, 2020, or faced possible eviction or homelessness; have lost income or be unemployed due to the pandemic or have suffered significant costs or financial hardship as a result of the pandemic; and meet low income requirements.
If the applicant qualifies, the HOPE program will pay the monthly rent owed to the landlord, up to the market rent for a two-bedroom unit in your county ($ 693 per month in Alexander County). Eligible people can receive up to 12 months of rent assistance, which can include up to nine months of rent in arrears.
Landlords who accept HOPE funds agree not to evict the applicant for non-payment of rent during the assistance period and for at least 60 days after the end of this period.
Utility assistance is also available to applicants eligible for rental assistance. The program covers essential utilities with the following maximum amounts: electricity – up to $ 510; natural gas, propane or fuel oil – up to $ 135; water – up to $ 105; and wastewater – up to $ 120. Aid for public services will be paid directly to the public service provider.
If you have any questions or need help applying, program representatives are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-888-927-5467. Applications can be completed online at www.rebuild.nc.gov/hope-program.
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