Durham residents who are behind on their rents and facing evictions due to the COVID-
19 pandemic will soon be able to apply for financial help to stay in their homes from the new Durham
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

The Durham ERAP, a partnership between the City of Durham and Durham County governments, is
being funded with $9.6 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Managed by the
Durham County Department of Social Services, residents can apply to the program beginning on
Monday, May 10 at 12:01 p.m. by visiting DurhamERAP.dconc.gov. Once this new website goes live on
Monday, residents will find eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and the online
application in English and Spanish.

“I’m thrilled about the launch of this great City-County-community partnership that will help so many
Durham residents facing a crisis with their housing,” said Durham County Board of Commissioners Vice
Chair Wendy Jacobs. “Our Social Services team has worked tirelessly to create a very user-friendly
website for the Durham ERAP.”

Upon acceptance into the program, residents can receive assistance for a period of up to 12 months,
which includes both arrears and forward rent and utilities. Under special circumstances, grantees may
be eligible for assistance for an additional three months beyond the 12-month limit. Forward rent and
utilities assistance can only be applied for three months at a time.

Public housing residents and tenants who receive housing subsidies are eligible for rental assistance to
cover any portion of rent and utilities that the tenant pays for themselves. Utilities include electricity,
gas, water, sewer, wastewater, trash removal, and fuel oil. Internet expenses may also be covered.

“The City of Durham is pleased to commit $8.4 million in funding received from the federal government
to support the Durham ERAP,” said Mayor Steve Schewel. “This program will provide critical financial
support for Durham renters who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To be eligible to receive Durham ERAP assistance, applicants must be a current resident of Durham
County; must be renting a room, apartment, or home in Durham County; and at least one person in the
household must qualify for unemployment or has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 or is
at risk of homelessness or housing instability; and have a household income at or below 80% of the area
median income (AMI). According to the regulations provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury,
priority must be given to households with incomes less than 50% of AMI. Those residents in this
category will be served first.

The Durham ERAP is also being assisted by five community partners that have been contracted to assist
residents who do not have Internet access, or who simply require additional assistance with completing
the online application. The community partners, which are El Centro Hispano, CAARE, Centre for Home
Ownership, Community Empowerment Fund, and The Church World Service, will offer assistance to
residents in applying to the program. Residents visiting the Durham County Human Services Building,
located at 414 E. Main St., can also expect to greeted by Social Services staff who will answer basic
questions about program requirements and provide residents with a QR code to start the online
application process.