Cabarrus Receives $6.5 Million in Federal Funds to Prevent Evictions
The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded Cabarrus County Government more than $6.5 million to help local households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is available through the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The County can use the funds through December 31, 2021.
Cabarrus County residents can apply online at erap.cabarruscounty.us. Applicants can complete the application online, from any internet-connected personal computer, tablet or smart phone. Free access to a computer and scanner are available at each branch of the Cabarrus County Library.
Paper applications are available at County and city offices, the CK Rider public transportation center and branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library System. Completed paper applications should be returned to the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis).
For in-person assistance completing your application, visit any branch of the Cabarrus County Library System. Completed paper applications should be returned to the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis).
Residents can get more information on the program by texting ERAP to 888-777. To speak with a representative, call 704-920-1400, option 4 then option 6.
For eligible households, the County will make direct payment to landlords for rent and utilities (electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal and energy costs) that are not covered by the landlord within rent. Utilities covered by the landlord within rent will be treated as rent.
Currently, households may qualify for hardships dating back to March 13, 2020. If you qualified for another federal or state program (example: HOPE) and have needs beyond the months covered by that program, you may qualify for the ERAP program.
Federal moratorium on eviction expires soon
A national moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges is set to expire on March 31. Cabarrus County Director of Human Services Karen Calhoun expects the rental assistance program could help more than 1,000 local households.
“We’re on the verge of a significant housing crisis,” said Calhoun. “We had to take a complicated process and make it manageable for the applicant and timely for the landlords. We are fortunate to have a solid technological infrastructure and a team that could think critically and act quickly on decisions.”
The County’s efforts have included:
- Expanding the County’s Economic Services division by four employees who are dedicated to the program
- Creating an interactive online application with real-time response
- Providing access to technology and in-person application assistance at branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library (Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant)
- Building on recently revamped payment processes that will expedite payment to vendors safely and securely
- Capitalizing on communication tools such as a “text to know” feature, distribution channels including Cabarrus County
- Television and social media, and a responsive application portal on the County’s website.
Application & Additional Information
Start an Online ERAP Application
To request more information on the program, text ERAP to 888-777.
To speak with a representative, call 704-920-1400, Option 4, then option 6.
Additional details on the ERAP can be found at Treasury.gov/CARES.