Have trouble paying rent? Here’s how to get assistance in Charlotte
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rental rates, many Charlotte renters have struggled to make payments.
For those who need help, there are multiple organizations in the Charlotte area that provide financial assistance with rent payments, including specifically for those dealing with pandemic-related issues.
Here’s what to know about getting aid with rent, as well as mortgage payments.
Rental assistance programs in Charlotte
RAMPCLT
Launched by the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and DreamKey Partners amid the pandemic, RAMPCLT focuses on providing rent assistance, as well as other financial aid, to folks impacted by COVID-19.
Applications are currently closed but will reopen March 1.
Those with an income of up to 80% of the area median, “a COVID related hardship” and “who have been served an eviction notice and have a court date within 90 days” will be prioritized in the new round of assistance.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministry is the “lead agency” for “emergency financial assistance” in Mecklenburg County.
To reach out for help with rent, as well as utility assistance, call 704-371-300, apply online at crisisassistance.org/programs/basic-needs/emergency-financial-assistance or visit the Ministry’s main office at 500-A Spratt St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Matthews HELP Center
The Matthews HELP Center, a charity focused on providing “crisis assistance,” offers help with both rent and utilities to those experiencing an “unforeseen financial crisis.”
To apply, fill out an inquiry form at matthewshelpcenter.org/inquiry-landing-page.
Community Link
A Charlotte-based organization that focuses on addressing affordable housing issues, Community Link provides rent assistance as part of its “Homeless to Housing” program.
If you need assistance, you can call the group at 704-943-9490 or 800-977-1969 or fill out an online form at communitylinknc.org/contact-us.
What about mortgage relief?
The City of Charlotte also has a “COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Assistance Program.”
“Homeowners with an active HouseCharlotte down payment assistance loan” or “with an income of up to 80% Area Median Income” whose income has been impacted by the pandemic “will be prioritized” for assistance.
The program will provide “up to three months of mortgage payments,” and those who get funds are required to attend “foreclosure prevention counseling.”
To apply, visit mortgagereliefclt.com or mortgagereliefcltespanol.com.
What about utility assistance?
Mecklenburg County’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides families financial help “with their immediate heating and other energy needs.”
To be eligible, households must include at least one U.S. citizen or legal resident, be responsible for their own heat and have an “income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Limit.”
Get more information on how to apply online, by phone or in person here.
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 3:50 PM.
