New Emergency Rental Assistance Program from New Hanover County Dept. of Social Services (March 29, 2021)
*EPP Applications are now closed, as of January 31, 2021*
Have you lost income because of COVID-19? Are you having trouble paying your rent or utilities? The Eviction Prevention Project (EPP) may be able to help residents of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Using HUD CDBG-CV funds, Good Shepherd Center aims to help people who have lost income because of COVID-19 pay their rent or utilities through payments made directly to their landlord or utility provider.
To Be Eligible:
- You must rent an apartment or house within the City of Wilmington, North Carolina;
- You must have a valid and current lease signed by your landlord; and
- You must be able to prove loss of income due to COVID-19.
- You do NOT have to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to qualify.
You must also meet these income guidelines:
Income guidelines apply to your income before the COVID-19-related loss.
You are NOT eligible if:
- You live in public housing;
- You receive other government rental assistance (Section 8, Housing Choice Vouchers, etc.);
- You have unpaid rent from before April.
You must provide these documents:
- Your completed application (online or in person);
- A copy of your valid, current lease, signed by your landlord;
- Proof of income from before the COVID-19-related income loss for all adult members of the household; and
- A Photo ID that matches the name on your lease.
Your Landlord must also agree to:
- Accept rental payments toward your delinquency;
- Not pursue eviction for non-payment for 3 months after assistance;
- Waive any late fees or penalties for rent not paid in April, May, or June; and
- Allow you 3 months to catch up fully on delinquent rent.
Due to high demand and limited availability of funds, we will be suspending acceptance of new applications so that we may effectively address the overwhelming response already received. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2021.
Funding is limited and not every applicant will receive assistance.
Applications are now closed, as of January 31, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have COVID-19 to be eligible for the program?
No. You only need to have lost income because of the effect COVID-19 has had on workers, businesses, and the economy.
How do I apply for assistance?
Visit eppwilmington.org to apply; you must complete the online application and provide the necessary back-up documentation. Refer above for eligibility requirements and what additional documents you will need.
How much money will I get for my rent and/or utility bills?
Selected tenants will receive rent and/or utility assistance for up to three consecutive months, depending on need and availability of funds.
What documents do I need to apply?
- Your completed application (online or in person);
- A copy of your valid, current lease, signed by your landlord;
- Proof of income from before the COVID-19-related income loss for all adult members of the household; and
- A Photo ID that matches the name on your lease.
What if I don’t have a lease?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible if you do not have a valid lease.
Are there income eligibility guidelines?
Yes. Refer to the table above.
How likely am I to get financial help?
Funding is limited and we will only be able to assist some of the many households in need.
How long will this program last?
The program will provide help until it is out of money. This website will be updated to announce the end of the program.
How are people chosen for help?
Applicants will be served on a first come, first served basis. Assistance will depend on eligibility and completeness of the application.
My landlord is the Wilmington Housing Authority. Am I eligible?
No, people who live in public housing are not eligible for this program.
I pay part of my rent with a Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher. Am I eligible?
No, people who receive a government rental subsidy are not eligible for this program
What if I lost my income before COVID-19 or my income loss is unrelated to COVID-19?
Only renters who lost their income due to COVID-19 are eligible for this program
What if I apply but my landlord does not respond to the EPP or is not willing to agree to the EPP’s terms?
Unfortunately, we need willing participation from your landlord to qualify for this program.
Contact info: 910-763-4424 ext. 115, eppwilmington@gmail.com