Alamance County assistance programs

Get rent and housing assistance

A grant of over $1 million will help three Alamance County charities and agencies provide assistance to people who are homeless, will stop evictions, and it will aid those who danger of losing their homes or apartments.

One of the groups, the United Way of Alamance County, has announced this week that it had received the grant from the federal government Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program, which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD.

Individuals and families that are helped through the grant can receive assistance with paying their rent, heating, and utility bills for anywhere from three to 18 months, said Cindy Brady. In addition, the money also can be used to pay for hotel or motel vouchers, moving expenses, legal counseling, and even credit repairs. However the funds cannot be used for mortgage assistance or to stop a foreclosure filing.

Homelessness in Alamance County is a growing problem. There has been a 660 percent increase in foreclosures since 1993, which has lead to families being on the streets. Also, there were about 150 children in the Alamance-Burlington school system who were homeless last year, which is a tragic number. And homeless numbers tend to be under reported.

While the United Way applied for and received the federal government grant, it will also partner with two local county agencies and charities, the Alamance County Community Services ((336) 229-7031) and Burlington Development Corp., to disburse the funds to needy families who need housing assistance. Phone (336) 222-5070.

The director of Alamance County Community Services has stated the money will allow the agency and local groups to continue housing programs they already have in place, such as emergency rental assistance and housing counseling.

 

 

 

General Assistance Programs

Funds are flowing to the county. The federal government is providing over $120,000 in funds that will be used to benefit local emergency shelter, food and energy bill programs that operate in Alamance County.

The money flowing to the county is intended to help charities, non-profits, and other agencies that help people with offering them rent assistance, grants for utility bills, and free food. The federal government money is meant to keep people from being evicted, homeless or losing their homes. Click here to find other ways to get rent help.

Some of the organizations that have accepted applications and distributed the aid in the past include Allied Churches of Alamance County ((336) 229-0881), Meals on Wheels and also Alamance County Community Services (336) 229-7031) have applied for funds and helped people in previous years.

In general, about half half of the money will be used to fund  rent-assistance programs because there are very few available funds in the county to help with rent. After that, it is planned that the balance of the money will be equally divided percentage wise between providing utility bill assistance and also food and general funds for shelter expenses.

 

 

The local branch of the Salvation Army is another destination to call or stop by at for help. It is located in Burlington, but services the entire region. Phone number (336) 227-5529. This non-profit agency provides cash assistance and other forms of help with bills and expenses to local individuals and families. In addition, they also provide coats for children and fans for the elderly. Last but not least, the Salvation Army agency also provides disaster relief services when needed.

Alamance County Department of Social Services (phone (336) 570-6532), which is located in Burlington NC, administers child support services, food stamps, child welfare services, medicaid, rent assistance, services for adults, work first family assistance, aid for fuel bills and utility expenses, and medicine (one time service) as funds are available.

The local community action agency is the Alamance County Community Services Agency. Programs offered include housing services, food and meals, weatherization, first time home ownership program, heating appliance/repair or replacement, housing counseling, wheels-to-work program, car repairs, utility assistance (light bills) and rent/mortgage financial assistance. Call (336) 229-7031.

Christian Assistance Network, of 206 N Fisher Street Burlington (phone (336) 229-0881) offers cash assistance to those in need of help with paying their utility bills, heating fuel, and they can also distribute prescription medication vouchers.

Free food is distributed by Loaves & Fishes Christian Food Ministry. Qualified families can get groceries up to once every 30 days. Call (336) 570-4668.

Foreclosure and mortgage counseling and prevention in Alamance County

Another service offered by the Alamance County Community Services Agency, Inc. (phone number above) is a foreclosure counseling and prevention program. The agency employes a team of well training housing counselors who will review your situation and recommend solutions. They may even work directly with your lender or bank.

Another agency that can help Alamance County people with housing and mortgage problems is the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. This agency is also located in Burlington NC, and they have HUD approved housing counselors. They can work directly with your lender, provide information on mortgage programs, including North Carolina foreclosure mediation services. Call them at (336) 226-4175.

Energy bill assistance

People who are facing a disconnection of their utility or heating service may be eligible to receive a one time cash grant from this federal government funded program. The funds are intended to help stop or prevent a crisis by qualified individuals. Call the Alamance County Community Services Agency, Inc. at (336) 229-7031 to apply for energy bill help or learn more.

Medications and prescription drugs

Contact the Burlington North Carolina based ALAMAP of ARMC. This non-profit will help low income and other individuals with obtaining life sustaining medications. (336) 538-8440.

 

 

Free debt reduction services and assistance

Call the Alamance Consumer Credit Counseling Service. This non-profit agency provides free debt help as well as credit counseling services, budgeting advice, information on credit card hardship programs, and repayment services to any individual or family who needs help with credit card debts, medical bills, or other obligations. (336) 226-4175, or learn more on debt and forbearance programs.

Resources for health and medical care

The two locations listed below are just two examples of dental and health clinics in the Alamance County and Burlington North Carolina. Click here for additional locations and facilities.

Stop by the Open Door Clinic, which provides discounted and / or free high quality healthcare to the indigent, low income and working poor of Alamance County North Carolina. Call them at (336) 570-9800 to make an appointment or lean more.

If you need dental care, a free adult dental clinic is offered two times per year by a site in Graham North Carolina. Call (336) 376-1306.