At a meeting of the New Hanover Board of Commissioners, a vote was held to accept $7.1 million in federal aid dollars related to costs incurred by households related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout.

These funds are intended to be directed towards the costs of rent, utilities and other costs that may have stressed household budgets as a result of the pandemic. Eligibility requirements have been put in place to ensure that the funds reach those who need them most.

The money was included in a federal COVID-19 relief package as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Funds were distributed to the social services department of New Hanover health and human services to be distributed to residents who fall under the eligibility requirements.

The New Hanover County website lays out the eligibility requirements as follows.

“To be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, households must meet three criteria:

1. Have one or more individuals who has qualified for unemployment benefits, or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., reduction of work hours, job loss/furlough, COVID-19 illness, child care costs due to loss of schooling or daycare); and
2. Have one or more individuals that demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
3. Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

US Citizenship is not an eligibility requirement for this program.”

The website also provides both information regarding the application process, and a direct link for residents to apply for these funds. 

Following the application, additional documentation such as identification, proof of residency, paystubs, verification of job loss, rental lease and late notices or another form of documentation from your landlord will be required to complete the process. Please see the website for additional details.