Durham Charities Help Evicted Tenants

Bless Durham was previously in the news for its relocation efforts of tenants evicted from a local affordable housing community. Now Housing for New Hope is picking up the slack using anticipated federal and local funding. Both organizations have been helping low-income residents of troubled housing communities with relocation to safe housing.

Both organizations assist with security deposits and first month’s rent payments for lower income families who are in danger of eviction. The purpose is to help those who generally do not have the means for moving, including putting up the first month’s rent in addition to a security deposit. Many families simply cannot save the funds necessary to make the move.

One project that both organizations were able to assist with involved a shut-down of the Lincoln Apartment complex. Due to budget problems and major maintenance issues, the community was forced to close. They simply could not keep the buildings safe for residents. Most residents were paying $400 or less per month in rent, leaving very little margin for upkeep.

Now these residents are receiving eviction notices. Housing for New Hope’s Rapid Re-housing program has provided relocation assistance for 173 families facing eviction since 2010. The program can even assist with utility deposits in addition to rental deposits.

Bless Durham had originally begun assisting Lincoln Apartment residents in September 2012. Housing for New Hope stepped in once Bless Durham depleted funding for the current year.

These are just 2 examples of the rental assistance programs that are available in Durham. Many other programs provide transitional housing and reduced rent apartments, including Genesis Home, CAARE, CASA, The Durham Center, Durham Rescue Mission, Durham Interfaith Hospitality Network, TROSA and Urban Ministries.

To find the agency that may best serve your family’s special needs, you may call 211 to be connected with a local nonprofit charity that can assist. 211 is a service of the United Way of the Greater Triangle. You may also contact one of these organizations directly. Call 919-489-6282 for Housing for New Hope, or 919-251-6187 for Bless Durham.

You are encouraged to take advantage of the rental assistance programs that you qualify for so that you can get back on your feet again and be able to take care of your family. One day when you are able, you should consider repaying those same agencies for their generosity during your time of need. That way future families in crisis can get the same benefit that helped you move forward.