Rental assistance programs in the Triangle are designed to help low‑income households stay housed, avoid eviction, and bridge temporary financial gaps. The most widely used resource is the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, administered by the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill housing authorities. Although waitlists are long, families can still apply during open enrollment periods and receive priority if they meet certain criteria such as homelessness, disability, or extremely low income.
For more immediate help, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)—still active in several counties—provides funds for overdue rent, utilities, and court fees. Wake County’s House Wake! program and Durham’s Keep Durham Housed initiative continue to support families facing eviction, especially those impacted by job loss or medical emergencies.
Nonprofits also play a major role. Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, Urban Ministries, and Church World Service offer one‑time rental payments, deposit assistance, and landlord mediation. Many churches in Raleigh and Durham maintain benevolence funds that can help with small amounts of rent or utility support.
Families should start by contacting NC 211, which provides real‑time referrals to programs with current funding. Applicants should gather documents such as a lease, past‑due notices, and proof of income. Even if one program is full, case managers can redirect you to others with available funds.
Rental assistance in the Triangle is competitive, but families who act quickly, stay organized, and work with multiple agencies have a strong chance of securing help.
Editor, MCC
