Although many people are still being affected by COVID-19, the federal aid provided to North Carolina through the Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) are depleted leaving little financial aid to help renters. Although federal aid has run out, there are steps you can take to avoid eviction.
Speaking directly to your landlord to work out a payment plan can be the best solution, but the longer you wait, the less likely you are to get a positive response from your landlord. Hoping things will get better doesn’t solve the issue. Whereas bringing your landlord into the loop on what is going on early in the process can give your landlord the confidence that you will follow through on a repayment plan.
Speaking to a HUD Housing Counselor to act as a mediator with your landlord can help the renter establish a plan in which to get caught up on rent while helping the landlord see the benefits of keeping a renter in the rental home or apartment.
If you are facing a wrongful eviction, you need to speak to a lawyer. There are several agencies throughout Western North Carolina that can help. If you qualify, Pisgah Legal Services may be able to help at no charge to you.
If you are homeowner, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is still taking applications as of now, but the funds are running out quickly so if you are struggling to pay your mortgage as a result of COVID-19, you will need to apply sooner than later. More information on that at www.nchaf.org.
Although many are slowly recovering from the effects of this pandemic, we do have neighbors and family members that are struggling to get caught back up. If this is you, or you know someone who is struggling, don’t wait to get help. Speak with a HUD Certified Housing Counselor as soon as possible.
Jason Schulz is the Executive Director, North Carolina for Affordable Homeownership Foundation, Inc (HUD Certified Housing Counselor – RB45V7). He can be reached at 828.553.1863 or email
Originally published in Positively Haywood, October 2022