Cabarrus Today

The U.S. Department of Treasury has allocated over $6.5 million to Cabarrus County Government to assist local households struggling with rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is part of the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Eligible households can receive assistance for overdue rent and utilities, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and energy costs not covered within rent from March 13, 2020, onwards. The aid will continue through the end of the year or until funds are exhausted.

Applications can be submitted online at erap.cabarruscounty.us using any internet-connected device. Paper applications are also available at various county offices such as the Government Center in Concord and branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library System.

Cabarrus leaders applied for this funding and were notified of their grantee status in January. Funds are accessible until December 31.

To qualify for assistance, a household must have an income not exceeding 80 percent of the area median income—examples include $46,800 annually for a single-person household or $66,800 annually for a family of four—and meet certain criteria related to unemployment or financial hardship due to COVID-19. Documentation is required to verify financial need and housing instability risk.

Karen Calhoun, Director of Human Services in Cabarrus County, anticipates that more than 1,000 local households could benefit from this program. "We’re on the verge of a significant housing crisis," Calhoun stated. She emphasized that simplifying the application process was crucial for both applicants and landlords.

The county has expanded its Economic Family Support Services division with additional staff dedicated to ERAP and developed an interactive online application system with real-time responses. In-person application assistance is available at library branches where technology access is provided.

Residents can apply online or obtain paper applications from several locations across Cabarrus County. Completed applications should be returned along with necessary documentation to designated drop-off points like the Human Services Center or library branches.

For further information about ERAP, residents can text ERAP to 888-777 or call 704-920-1400 with specific options provided for direct assistance.

More details on ERAP are available at Treasury.gov/CARES.