Charlotte City Council recently approved $8 million additional dollars of CARE’s Act Funding that will allow for expansion of the existing Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (RAMP CLT). The expanded program will continue funding qualifying mortgage and rent payments. The $8 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding is now available for mortgage and rental assistance, in addition to the $2.2 million previously made available. The Housing Partnership will execute the program, in partnership with Socialserve.
Since April, 1,529 households have received $1.4 million in mortgage, rent, hotel, and utilities and upfront housing assistance due to COVID-19. This initial funding was limited to those living in City-supported properties, eligible to households earning 80 percent or below the Area Median Income (AMI), or $63,200 for a family of four, and facing a COVID-19 hardship including job loss, wage reduction, illness, or childcare challenges. With the infusion of CARES Act funding, the RAMPCLT program has expanded.
Individuals who earn 80 percent or below the AMI who face a COVID-19 hardship and cannot make housing payments can apply for rent or mortgage assistance.
Those who are applying for mortgage assistance must have been current on their mortgage payments prior to April 2020. For rent assistance, payments are made directly to landlords and property managers, so in order to receive funding, landlords and property managers must register as part of the program. Financial assistance is also available for long-term hotel guests (30 days or longer) who are experiencing a financial hardship and cannot pay the hotel bill due to COVID-19.
A program representative will work one-on-one with all applicants to determine their eligibility for each of these programs.
More information on these programs and applications for property managers, hotel managers, tenants and those seeking mortgage and rent relief are available at rampclt.com. Rampclt.com also provides information and resources for those facing evictions.
COVID-19 Food Access
COVID19 Food and Financial Help Resource List : MeckMIN is pleased to be able to share this newly updated list of food and financial resources available in our local area. PLEASE share this within your networks. PLEASE let us know if you have corrections or additions.
Thanks to the Federal “Farm to Family Food Box” program, Loaves & Fishes is distributing boxes of excess fresh produce and dairy at a series of pop up food shares this summer in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Free fresh produce and dairy are available while supplies last, and registration is required. Click Here For List of Upcoming Food Shares
Free food for those in need is also available at the following locations:
1. First Baptist Church West offers free grab and go lunch Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please pick up a meal for yourself / neighbor, meals are delivered to your car. Please know your total number of meals that are needed when you arrive at the church.
2. Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Church (727 W. Trade Street) give out boxes of food every Wednesday and Thursday 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The boxes include chicken, lunch meat, and canned goods.
COVID-19 Family Support
Family Partners works with families who are navigating the education, child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice systems. They help parents prepare for meetings with schools, service providers, and child & family teams. Additionally, they educate parents/caregivers to achieve successful outcomes including improving youth's ability to function at home, in school, and in their community. For more information and support, contact Barbara Baker at 980-406-1258 or Amy Dickey at 704-281-0493.