With financial insecurity continuing to mount amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Chapel Hill is working to help members of the community who are struggling to pay their rent.

Mayor Pam Hemminger recently spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck about what the town is doing to be proactive to aid these residents during this crisis.

Earlier in May, the Town Council allocated $135,000 to help residents in need of rent relief. This move came not long after Chapel Hill made updates to its Rental and Utility Assistance Program, which provides help to residents seeking affordable rental housing and works to help prevent evictions for low-income households.

In partnership with local non-profit agencies, the towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough and a pair of Orange County housing organizations, Chapel Hill is allowing people to apply for a one-time payment for anywhere up to $2,000 to help with urgent housing needs.

“When the eviction stay gets lifted at some point, we want to be able to help people,” Hemminger said. “We’re helping transition our shelter folks into hotels. We’re trying to do our best to take care of people in many different ways. Between food, utility and rent assistance programs and some counseling services, we’re reaching out, we’re getting lots of support and we’re trying to take care of as many people.”

Applicants have to come from low-income situations in order to be accepted for a payment from the town, while also providing proof that their need is urgent and that they do not have enough savings to cover their current housing costs.

In addition to this measure, the town is also working on a similar program to help low to moderate income homeowners avoid foreclosures.

Because the current crisis is fluid and continually evolving, Hemminger stressed the importance of having a plan for the future and being able to adapt with the changing times.

“As this goes on longer, there are going to be more people faced with situations they’ve never been faced with before,” Hemminger said. “Not everybody gets to recover at the same level or the same pace. So, we want to be really, really prepared to give the most help to help the most people in the community.”

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
Berry, Miller-Foushee Reelected to Chapel Hill Town Council; Newcomers Rivers, McMahon Earn Most Votes
With the early vote totals and nearly all of Chapel Hill's precincts reported on Tuesday night, the Chapel Hill Town Council election appears unofficially decided.
2025 Candidate Introductions: Chapel Hill Municipal Races
Five candidates for Chapel Hill Town Council are vying for four seats — two of which are open — while the mayor's election is unopposed.
Chapel Hill: Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan on Good Neighbor Initiative, Flood Response and Upcoming Events
Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tempore Amy Ryan joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Thursday, August 14.
EPA Advisor, Former Professor Louie Rivers III Announces Bid for Chapel Hill Town Council
Louie Rivers III, a social science advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former professor, announced his bid for the Chapel Hill Town Council this week. Rivers is one of six candidates who have announced bids for the four available seats on the council this fall. “Since the last presidential election, I have become […]
Chapel Hill Names Virginia Administrator Theodore Voorhees as New Town Manager
After a six-month search, the Town of Chapel Hill selected its next town manager on the doorstep of the new fiscal year. The Chapel Hill Town Council approved the selection and hired Theodore “Ted” Voorhees during its meeting Wednesday night, the elected body’s last before a summer break. Voorhees, the county administrator for the Orange […]
Paris Miller-Foushee Launches Re-Election Campaign for Chapel Hill Town Council, Shares Priorities
The first incumbent in this fall's Chapel Hill Town Council election has entered the race, as Paris Miller-Foushee announced she is seeking a second term.
Moving to Carrboro, Karen Stegman to Leave Chapel Hill Town Council Early
Chapel Hill Town Council member Karen Stegman will step down from her seat on June 27, a few months before her term expires.
Chapel Hill Town Council Approves Application for Affordable Senior Housing Community at Homestead Road
The Town of Chapel Hill recently approved a zoning application for a proposed senior housing community located along Homestead Road.
With Federal Funding Losses and Revaluation, Orange County's Governments Weigh Difficult Tax Rate and Budget Choices
The annual budgeting process is typically an exhaustive one for Orange County’s local governments and staff – but this year, it may be even more so
Chapel Hill Council Approves 300+ New Apartments, Retail Space on S. Elliott Road
The Chapel Hill Town Council approved a conditional zoning request for 200 South Elliott Road, paving the way for a new apartment community.
›