Chapel Hill and Orange County residents and families facing eviction can seek assistance through the Orange County Housing Helpline and the Eviction Diversion Program.
The Housing Helpline connects people with eviction diversion, homeless services, and other resources and can be reached during business hours at 919-245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov.
“The Housing Helpline is a resource available to anyone in housing crises in Orange County,” said Sarah Vinas, Interim Director of Housing and Community with the Town of Chapel Hill. “We are grateful for our partnership with Orange County, the Town of Carrboro, and the Town of Hillsborough to meet the housing needs of residents during this challenging time.”
Since launching in April 2020, the Housing Helpline has served nearly 8,600 households and responded to more than 23,000 calls and 17,000 emails. Calls are answered live in more than 200 languages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Voicemails and emails will be responded to during business hours.
Staff can assist with several programs, including the Orange County Eviction Diversion Program (EDP), which provides free legal representation for individuals and families threatened with eviction. More than 1,800 households in Orange County have accessed nearly $7.3 million in rental and utility assistance since March 2020. Over 675 Chapel Hill households have received assistance during this same period. The EDP has assisted more than 240 Orange County Households facing eviction since its creation in July 2020, allowing residents to remain in their home or obtain additional time to find an alternative residence. The EDP can be accessed through the Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov, or directly through the EDP Intake Form.
The Orange County Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program, funded by the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County, also continues to assist people with rent, mortgage, and utility payments. People can apply online. In-person help is available on Tuesdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Southern Human Services Center (2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill). For help over the phone or by email, contact the Housing Helpline.
The recently-reopened HOPE Program provides rent and utility assistance for renters who meet income requirements. New HOPE applicants can apply online. Returning HOPE applicants can call (888) 927-5467 to speak with someone about their application.