The City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program began Wednesday, taking applications from eligible residents who are unable to pay rent and utilities because of economic impact related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 has made $10,119,409 available for use by city and county residents, according to a prepared statement from Cumberland County officials.
 

“COVID-19 changed our lives and people are trying to survive financial struggles brought on by the pandemic,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “Eviction and foreclosure moratoriums are ending. This program can help our residents stay afloat. We encourage landlords to work with tenants who may be behind on rent to apply for this assistance program.”
 

Money from the Rental Assistance Program can go toward current and past due rent as well as current and past due utilities, internet and home energy costs dated no earlier than March 13, 2021. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
 

“Residents across the county have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and now more than ever need our help to maintain housing stability for their families,” said Charles Evans, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair. “Cumberland County looks forward to partnering with the City of Fayetteville to jointly offer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to all eligible households needing aid during this challenging time.”
 

According to prepared information, qualifying for assistance must meet the following:
 

Between March 13, 2021 and the present, one or more individuals within the household qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic;
 

One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
 

Household income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Please note that households with an income at or below 50 percent will be prioritized during the first 30 days of the program to ensure funding is made available to the most vulnerable populations.”
 

Landlords may work with their tenants to complete an application.
 

Visit fayettevillecumberlandRAP.com to access the program application.