Administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded Cabarrus County Government more than $6.5 million to help local households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is available through the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Residents can get more information on the program by texting ERAP to 888-777. To speak with a representative, call 704-920-1400, option 4 then option 6. Cabarrus County residents can apply online at erap.cabarruscounty.us.
Paper applications are available at County and city offices, the CK Rider public transportation center and branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library System. Completed paper applications should be returned to the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis).

Cabarrus leaders applied for the funding and received notification of the County’s grantee status in January. The County can use the funds through December 31.

For eligible households, the County will make direct payment to landlords for rent and utilities (electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal and energy costs) that are not covered by the landlord within rent. Utilities covered by the landlord within rent will be treated as rent.

Currently, households may qualify for hardships dating back to March 13, 2020. If you qualified for another federal or state program (example: HOPE) and have needs beyond the months covered by that program, you may qualify for the ERAP program.

Federal moratorium on eviction expires soon

A national moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges is set to expire on March 31. Cabarrus County Director of Human Services Karen Calhoun expects the rental assistance program could help more than 1,000 local households. 

“We’re on the verge of a significant housing crisis,” said Calhoun. “We had to take a complicated process and make it manageable for the applicant and timely for the landlords. We are fortunate to have a solid technological infrastructure and a team that could think critically and act quickly on decisions.” 

The County’s efforts have included: 

• Expanding the County’s Economic Services division by four employees who are dedicated to the program.
• Creating an interactive online application with real-time response 
• Providing access to technology and in-person application assistance at branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library (Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant)
• Building on recently revamped payment processes that will expedite payment to vendors safely and securely
• Capitalizing on communication tools such as a “text to know” feature, distribution channels including Cabarrus County Television and social media, and a responsive application portal on the County’s website. 

Officials will open the application portal in March. How to apply To request more information on the program, text ERAP to 888-777. To speak with a representative, call 704-920-1400, Option 4, then option 6.

Applicants can complete the application online, from any internet-connected personal computer, tablet or smart phone at erap.cabarruscounty.us.

Free access to a computer and scanner are available at each branch of the Cabarrus County Library. 

Paper applications are available at County and city offices, at the CK Rider public transportation center and branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library System. 

For in-person assistance completing your application, visit any branch of the Cabarrus County Library System. Completed paper applications should be returned to the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis). Additional details on the ERAP can be found at Treasury.gov/CARES.

Cabarrus needs your help

To successfully distribute the $6.5 million allocated to Cabarrus before the December 31 deadline, the County will need support from our partner agencies, organizations and collaborators.

Here are a few suggested ways you can assist. County staff is available to provide training, support and resources for each of the strategies outlined below. To get started today, email outreach@cabarruscounty.us.

Share messages related to the campaign (ask for our campaign toolkit):

• Include blurbs in newsletters, on social media and through other channels your organization supports
• Host a link to the ERAP website on your organization’s website. A campaign logo is available for your use.
• Display information about ERAP at your public-serving locations. The County will develop and deliver materials to you.
• Invite County representatives to speak on the campaign with your membership
• Include information on ERAP at the end of your own community presentations

Staff awareness and assistance:

• Train staff on the campaign and the application process
• Assist residents your agency services with the application process

Become an application host site

• Train staff on the campaign and the application process
• Keep paper applications at your public-serving locations

Over the next nine months, we welcome your feedback and recommendations for expanding our collective reach and impact.

All levels of commitment are appreciated.

If you’re able to participate, please let us know by emailing outreach@cabarruscounty.us This ensures your organization will receive updated campaign information and materials, and that your requests are routed to the right contact.

Cabarrus is set apart by its resilience. Thank you for what you do each day to provide our residents with stability in crisis and opportunities to thrive.