DreamKey Partners and Socialserve are working together to administer the COVID-19 emergency housing assistance program for families with a COVID-19-related hardship, including job loss, illness, wage reduction and childcare challenges.  The expanded program – RAMP CLT – will continue funding qualifying mortgage and rent payments, with additional assistance for utility (gas/electric) and deposit payments.

More than 1,750 households have received more than $1.8 million in mortgage, rent, hotel, and utilities and upfront housing assistance since April. Margaret, a resident at SouthOak Crossing, received rental assistance for May, June, and July. She has also applied for assistance for August rent. “I’m very grateful for the support. Without help paying my rent, my family and I would be homeless.” 

Individuals who earn 80 percent or below the AMI who face a COVID-19 hardship and cannot make housing payments can apply for rent or mortgage assistance. A program representative will work one-on-one with all applicants to determine their eligibility for each of these programs. Those who are applying for mortgage assistance must have been current on their mortgage payments prior to April 2020. For rent assistance, payments are made directly to landlords and property managers, so to receive funding, landlords and property managers must register as part of the program.

Charlotte City Council approved the additional $8 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for mortgage and rental assistance, in addition to $2.2 million previously made available. Mecklenburg County has provided $1.5 million in CARES Act funding for mortgage and rental assistance, as well as utility expenses. Financial assistance is also available for long-term hotel guests (30 days or longer) who are experiencing a financial hardship and cannot pay the hotel bill due to COVID-19.

Information and applications for property managers, hotel managers, tenants and those seeking mortgage and rent relief, and those facing eviction are available at https://www.rampclt.com.

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