Greensboro will stop accepting new applications for pandemic-related rent and utilities program

The City of Greensboro will close the application process for a program that helps households who are struggling because of a job loss or financial instability caused by COVID. 

Earlier this month, Greensboro officials announced that funds for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) were exhausted. More than 2,700 Greensboro households have received rent and utility assistance since it began in March.

The county recently gave the city $10 million in federal COVID-relief funding to continue services. But the need in the community is even larger. So the city says it has to close the program for new applicants.

Michelle Kennedy is director of the city's Neighborhood Development Department. She says they're focusing on about 1,300 applications already waiting in the system.

“We will close the portal on October 31 for new applicants," she says. "Folks who need to recertify will still be able to go in and do that for a continuation of services and if and when new funds are allocated at the federal or state level we have the ability to immediately reopen that portal.”

Kennedy says there's still an avenue for new applicants to apply for assistance through the county's program.

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