Special to Iredell Free News

On several occasions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued multiple eviction moratoria. The last moratorium will expire on July 31.

The State of North Carolina has not adjusted its date to match. With the ending of this last moratorium, the Iredell Clergy for Healing and Justice (IC4HJ)—a local multi-racial, multi-faith organization of clergy serving or living in Iredell County— is working to help those in housing distress learn about other ways they might seek support for rent to avoid eviction.

IC4HJ encourages neighbors and their advocates in need of rent assistance to note three resources:

♦ The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) as part of ReBuild NC supports housing stability for families throughout North Carolina with an emphasis on reducing unnecessary evictions. More information about this program may be found on ReBuild NC’s website, www.rebuild.nc.gov.

♦ Legal Aid of North Carolina is a nonprofit law firm with a mission to provide “free legal services in civil matters to low-income people to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity.” One of their principal practices is to assist North Carolina residents needing legal advice concerning housing.

• More information about Legal Aid may be found on their website, www.legalaidnc.org/.
• If someone needs specific information about Legal Aid’s assistance with housing and the eviction moratorium, please visit www.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-library/housing/cdc-eviction-moratorium or call 877- 579-7562 (for persons 60 and over) or 866-219-5262 (for persons under 60).

♦ IC4HJ is working with Jeff James, superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools, to coordinate access to the school system computers so IC4HJ might set dates to help families file applications as well as any juniors or seniors needing assistance with filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information on these dates for application assistance will be distributed as they are arranged.

LEARN

Anyone who needs help connecting with these websites or additional information on IC4HJ is encouraged to send an email directly to the organization at iredellclergy4hj@gmail.com.