Forsyth County Offering Rides To Rental Assistance Program Offices

Transportation is now available for residents who wish to apply for financial assistance to pay overdue rent or utility bills. 

The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) emerged during the pandemic to assist residents with rent and utilities such as electricity, oil and gas, water, and internet service.

The Forsyth County Department of Social Services set up its application lab at its office on Highland Avenue in Winston-Salem.

Now the department is making transportation aides available to bring residents to the lab.

The program is open to all renters financially affected by the pandemic with a household income of 80 percent or less of the area's median. That varies by household size but is about $55,000 for a family of four.

Officials are urging eligible residents to apply for assistance before an eviction moratorium expires at the end of July.

Appointments can be made online and will be prioritized over walk-in visits.

ERAP representatives will also be holding an event to help residents schedule an appointment at the Rupert Bell Neighborhood Center on July 15.