Emergency rental assistance programs are designed to aid families and individuals who are unable to pay their rent due to unforeseen circumstances — especially those who are potentially facing eviction or another immediate crisis.

In North Carolina, emergency rental assistance programs provide temporary relief from homelessness while also empowering people to become self-sufficient. North Carolina offers a range of emergency rental assistance programs designed to help people in need of immediate, short-term housing aid.

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in NC

If you’re seeking emergency rental assistance in North Carolina, you have numerous options depending on your specific needs and situation.

Some cities have their own programs in place for supporting residents in need of temporary rental assistance. For example, if you’re looking for emergency rental assistance in Greensboro, NC, you may be able to receive aid directly through the Greensboro Housing & Neighborhood Development Department.

If your local city government does not offer an emergency rental assistance program of its own, you still have several other options at the state level.

Work First Family Assistance (WFFA)

Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) is North Carolina’s implementation of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It offers various forms of support to families who are struggling to help them achieve economic independence, including short-term training, employment services, financial counseling, and many other resources aimed at increasing job readiness and retention.

To be eligible for assistance through the Work First program, your household must meet certain requirements.

To apply for assistance from the Work First program in North Carolina, contact your local Department of Social Services directly. You can also apply online via the ePASS website. Before applying for Work First assistance, you must also register for the First Stop Employment Assistance Program with the Employment Security Commission.

Work First Emergency Assistance

Work First Emergency Assistance is designed to provide immediate, short-term help to families in the Work First program with urgent needs such as utility shut-offs or eviction notices. Emergency assistance offered through North Carolina’s Work First program is intended to address specific, non-recurring episodes of need; it’s not meant to serve as ongoing financial support.

To qualify for Work First Emergency Assistance, your household must include a child living with a relative and its total income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level (in addition to meeting the criteria for Work First program eligibility).

NC Emergency Solutions Grant

The NC Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is one of North Carolina’s best resources for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Grant funds are administered to communities in North Carolina through local governments and non-profit organizations, which use ESG funding to support a wide variety of social and emergency housing solutions throughout the state.

Emergency shelters offer essential services like case management and health services to shelter residents.
Street outreach connects unsheltered homeless individuals with emergency shelters and other necessary services.
Prevention initiatives provide financial services such as rental assistance and utility payments to prevent homelessness.
Rapid re-housing helps homeless individuals and families facing eviction secure permanent housing quickly and provides support to help them maintain housing stability.

Reach out to your local Coordinated Entry contact for more information about how to get connected with ESG-funded services in your community.

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) offers emergency rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This program offers rental subsidies to low-income families to help them afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market. To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.

The NCHFA also collaborates with the Supportive Housing Development Program to fund housing projects for special needs populations, including the homeless and disabled.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports several programs that aim to increase the availability of affordable housing. Low-income renters in North Carolina may be able to secure reduced rent through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s subsidized apartments program. You can search for apartments near you that are eligible for HUD rental subsidization on the HUD website.

Get Help Finding Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in North Carolina

If you’re not sure where to begin searching for emergency rental assistance in North Carolina, United Way of North Carolina is a great place to start. Dial 2-1-1 for help finding housing assistance or other social services in your area.

You might also find the information you’re looking for in one of our other emergency rental assistance resources.