NE Piedmont News

City of Oxford issued the following announcement on Sep 10. 

The City of Oxford has received $900,000 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division to provide emergency financial assistance to residents of the City who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Assistance will help for City residents who are behind on rent, mortgage, and utilities since the statewide shutdowns that started in March 2020.  The funding is provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law in 2020. 

City residents may apply for up to six months' assistance, which can be retroactive, to help them stay safe and in their homes. 

Renters are eligible for the rent assistance from the City if:

• Their household income is 80% or less of the Granville County Area Median Income at the time of application
• The rental property is their primary home
• The coronavirus pandemic has affected their ability to pay rent, and
• They are behind on their rent when they apply.
• Only the tenants can apply for the assistance; however, the landlord/property manager must sign their application.
• Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property manager as shown on the written lease.
• Only the tenants can apply for the assistance; however, the landlord/property manager must sign their application.
• Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property manager as shown on the written lease.
• Only tenants and landlords with written leases are eligible.
• Landlords in turn must agree not to evict the tenants for the duration of the lease.

The program may cover up to six months of rent and utilities starting after March 20, 2020.  Late rents and utilities prior to that date are not eligible.  The program can also cover existing fees and surcharges as allowed under North Carolina law.  Applicants must be behind on their rent when they apply for the program.  If utilities (water, sewer, electrical, gas) are included in the rent and have not been paid to the utility provider, those expenses may be paid with the program.

Homeowners within the City who have fallen behind in the mortgage payments may also apply for up to six months' assistance.  Applicants must provide documentation from their mortgage lender of falling behind on their payments since March 2020.  Homeowners may also apply for assistance with utilities as well.  The same income limits apply to homeowner applicants.

Funds are also available for City residents with school-age children who do not have assess to the internet when schools are closed and learning is remote.

All applicants for assistance must live in Oxford since the pandemic shutdown began in March 2020. Non-city residents are not eligible.  Residents that are receiving assistance through other state and federal COVID-19 assistance programs are not eligible to receive assistance through the City’s program.

The City will also use a portion of the funds to provide free public wifi in the downtown area of the City.

The City will partner with Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) to administer this program.  ACIM is an Oxford-based non-profit organization that provides emergency food assistance to Oxford and surrounding area residents.

For more information on how to apply, residents are urged to visit the City’s website at www.oxfordnc.org for application forms, qualification criteria, and a list of documents needed.  Assistance is available on a first-come-first-served basis until the funds run out.

 Original source can be found here.