Updated 1.15.2021
Blue Ridge wants to make every effort to help residents as
best we can during this difficult time. The following is a list of rental
assistance programs specific to COVID-19. We encourage you to explore
these programs and any other assistance programs applicable to your area.
You can also use this link for an interactive map and searchable database to find state and local emergency rental assistance programs near you. Click here for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Salvation Army - Searchable database of
support services by zip code, city, or state. They also offer counselors
available via phone (in English and Spanish) to help people connect with local
services at 844-458-4673.
NC RESIDENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Call 211 - 211 is a universal number (similar to
911 and 311) for community information and referral services. It is intended to
connect individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based
organizations and government agencies based on their situation and location.
Wait times can be long, but you will be able to speak to a representative to
give you additional resources.
The Housing Opportunity and Prevention of Evictions
(HOPE) Program - is a new statewide initiative that may provide
rent and utility assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income renters
experiencing financial hardship due to the economic effects of COVID-19. The
new program will help prevent evictions and utility disconnections in order to
promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic. HOPE is an initiative of
the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the North Carolina Department
of Public Safety. The HOPE Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program – Coronavirus
and the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Relief Funds. If you are
concerned about being evicted, click here to
learn how the temporary eviction moratorium may be able to help
you. Renters can also apply online at nc211.org/hope.
Resident Relief Foundation - Organization
dedicated to helping responsible residents stay in their apartments during an
unexpected financial emergency. You can apply
for support, and managers can refer residents for financial aid. Learn more
about our partnership with RRF.
NC Restaurant Relief Fund - Who can apply? Any
hospitality employee of a North Carolina restaurant or hotel facing significant
financial hardship due to a lay-off, furlough or reduction in hours as a direct
result of the Coronavirus Pandemic – COVID-19.
NC Artist Relief Fund - This fund has
been created to support creative individuals who have been financially impacted
by gig cancellations due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 100% of donated funds
will go directly to artists and arts presenters in North Carolina.
Help with Bills - Residents can learn
about government
programs to help pay for home energy bills and other expenses.
VA RESIDENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Virginia Housing is now administering relief for renters
experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the
Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP). https://www.vhda.com/BusinessPartners/PropertyOwnersManagers/Pages/RMRP.aspx
LOCAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Asheville residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you at www.pisgahlegal.org and www.homewardboundwnc.org.
Burlington residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you by calling (336)222-5070
Cabarrus County residents: find out about assistance
that may be available to you at concordnc.gov/Departments/Housing.
Chapel Hill residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you at orangecountync.gov/HousingAssistance.
Durham County Social Services: Crisis Services -
Residents of Durham County. For most of the programs, families must qualify
according to income guidelines. For more information, please call
919-560-8000. Learn more.
Greensboro residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you at Greensboro
Housing Coalition
Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem - https://www.piedmonttaa.org/financial-assistance
Greater Charlotte Area (serving 11 counties) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jhKhyv7a9hknOTW_Q3UbD7iLpzRB2KCw/view
Hickory residents: find out about assistance that may
be available to you at ccmhickory.org/
High Point residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you by calling (336)883-3111.
Mecklenburg County residents: find out about
assistance that may be available to you at www.rampclt.com.
Orange County Emergency Housing Assistance -
The Emergency Housing Assistance fund was created under the Risk Mitigation and
Housing Displacement Fund to help Orange County residents with low incomes
secure and maintain stable housing. Learn more. Questions? Contact the Housing Helpline
at HousingHelp@orangecountync.gov or
919-245-2655
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill - https://www.triangleaptassn.org/blog/renter-resources-amid-covid-19
Telemon Corporation - Telamon will begin taking
applications for tenants needing rental assistance in Wake County on Monday,
August 10. There is $20 million available to spend on providing arrearage payments
and ongoing assistance. Interested tenants/landlords can contact their offices
for more information at 919-899-9911 or housing@telamon.org.
Wake County - House Wake! - The House Wake!
Eviction Prevention Program seeks to prevent the displacement of Wake
County renter households that suffered a loss of income as a result of
COVID-19. Click
here to learn more, or email housing@telamon.org, or call 919-899-9911.
Wake Prevent! - Wake Prevent! is referral-based
and accessible through the Coordinated Entry System for Wake County residents.
To access Wake Prevent! as well as shelter and support services, individuals
can call (919) 443-0096, email HW_AH@partnershipwake.org, or visit any of these Coordinated Entry Access Sites to set up an appointment.
Wilmington residents: find out about assistance that
may be available to you at Good
Shepherd Wilmington Eviction Prevention Project.
7.1.2020
We have implemented the following actions to aid in
reducing COVID-19 risk for our employees, customers, and the supplier partners.
- Requiring face coverings for all person-to-person
interactions.
- Heavily encouraging frequent and thorough hand washing or
the use of hand sanitizer and providing sanitation stations.
- Following social distancing, occupancy protocols, and mass
gathering guidelines at all times. Floor clings are used to mark appropriate
waiting distances.
- High-traffic and high-touch areas are disinfected
frequently, after every customer if possible.
- Asking risk qualifying type questions of prospects and
residents before interacting or entering apartment homes.
- We have a “no handshake” policy for our associates.
- Amenity access and services will resume based on our ability
to comply with governmental requirements for maintaining/operating those areas.
Restrictions on the use of amenities that are open will be posted at the entry
to each.
- No refreshments are being offered to residents/guests.
Resident gatherings are suspended.
- The use of golf carts for leasing purposes is suspended. No
passengers are permitted.
- Virtual leasing is highly encouraged.
- Proper PPE is worn during the completion of all service
requests. We are supplying supplies and “how to” videos for requests that can
be addressed by the resident.
- Employees are doing daily temperature and symptom checks.
Equipment and workspaces are not shared, and contact tracing protocols are in
place.
Cleaning protocols for all office, clubhouse, interior
amenity/common areas, and pool area include:
- A frequency of at least twice daily (mid-day and closing)
- Wiping all contact surfaces with CDC approved disinfectant
- Emptying trash receptacles
- Vacuuming or mopping floors
- Straightening chairs, tables, equipment
- Restocking wipes and paper products as needed
- PPE must be worn during this cleaning time
4.2.2020
We know this is an unprecedented time of uncertainty and
anxiety for our residents. We also know that many of our residents are
suffering from job losses, furloughs, and reduced hours. Fortunately, there is
help available.
Direct Payments - The federal government will be
making one-time cash payments directly to our citizens. These payments should
be issued during the month of April either by check or direct deposit. How much
will you receive?
Individuals earning less than $75,000 will receive
$1,200.
Married couples earning less than $150,000 will receive
$2,400.
If you have children, you will receive $500 per
child.
Individuals earning more than $75,000 and less
than $99,000 – and couples earning more than $150,000 and less
than $198,000 – are eligible for a lesser amount.
Enhanced Unemployment Benefits - Congress is
enhancing state unemployment to provide more income and to cover more people.
*See below for specific state links.
Adds $600 per week for four months on top of
state unemployment.
Adds up to 13 weeks of additional unemployment
benefits to those already enrolled but who are nearing the end of
benefits.
Expands the program to include a number of workers not
normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits. This includes:
o Freelancers
o Independent contractors/gig workers
o Self-employed
o Those with limited work history
o Employees who are still employed,
but whose hours have been reduced
It is important to apply as soon as possible. To
help expedite aid, the federal government is funding the first week of benefits
to encourage states to waive traditional waiting periods, but it may still take
a couple of weeks to be processed
Other Resources
Financial assistance: https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help
Help with Utility Bills: https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help#item-214124
Small Business Help covering paychecks: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program
Food programs: https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help#item-214625
We’re Here to Work with You
We understand there may be a delay in your ability to access
these benefits. If that is the case, please talk to us. We are
offering payment plans and waived late fees for those directly impacted by
COVID-19.
We’re all in this together and all deserve safe and clean
housing. We are thankful for the hard work of our employees in
keeping our community operational and all they continue to do to prepare for
and mitigate the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain
heartened by the stories of neighbors helping one
another. Communities working together to stay safe is what will get
us through this crisis, and we are here for you.
State Unemployment Links
North Carolina
To file a UI claim online: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment
To file a claim by telephone
number: 1-888-737-0259
South Carolina
To file a UI claim online: https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/apply-for-benefits/claims-process
To file a claim by telephone number: 1-800-529-8339
Virginia
To file a UI claim online: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/online-services/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
To file a claim by telephone number: 1-866-832-2363
Mississippi
To file a UI claim online: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/claims-information/
To file a claim by telephone number: 1-888-844-3577
3.19.2020
Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the
current unprecedented events in our world. We understand that the current state
of affairs creates fear and uncertainties and that no one is exempt from this
crisis. Please know that we are vigilantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation
and have put necessary precautions in place to help prevent the spread of
disease in our apartment communities.
The situation is constantly changing and local, state, and
national governments are taking action to aid individuals who are unable to
work during this time. As details of these packages become available, we will
do our best to provide resource information to any resident who has been unable
to work and is concerned about their ability to pay rent. We are working to
develop flexible payment solutions for those directly impacted by COVID-19 and
will have details available before April 1st. If you are impacted, please
continue to keep your Community Manager updated on your individual situation.
If you need immediate help with basic needs, please call the
United Way’s helpline at 211.
Again, we recognize that these are unsettling times, and we
want you to know that your well-being is our priority.
Blue Ridge Property Management