Raleigh Housing Stability Guide

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Housing Stability
2. Rights and Protections for Renters
3. Housing Assistance Programs
4. Emergency Housing Resources
5. Homeowner Resources
6. Financial Assistance Programs
7. Healthcare-Housing Connections
8. Workforce and Employment Resources
9. Building Long-Term Stability
10. Key Contacts and Resources

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1. Understanding Housing Stability

Housing stability means having consistent, safe, and affordable housing that you can maintain over time. Stable housing provides the foundation for employment, health, education, and family well-being.

Housing instability can include: difficulty paying rent, frequent moves, overcrowding, eviction threats, or precarious housing situations. When housing becomes unstable, it affects every other area of life.

2. Rights and Protections for Renters

In North Carolina, renters have specific legal rights:

• Lease agreements: Written leases required for one year or more; oral agreements valid for shorter terms
• Eviction process: Landlords must provide written notice and obtain court order before eviction
• Habitability: Landlords must maintain working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
• Security deposits: Limited to two months' rent; must be returned within 30 days of move-out
• Discrimination: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on protected classes

3. Housing Assistance Programs

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Provides funds for past-due and future rent for households experiencing financial hardship. Contact Wake County Human Services to apply.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Federally-funded program helping very low-income families afford decent housing. Contact the Raleigh Housing Authority. Wait times can be lengthy.

Public Housing
Subsidized housing operated by local housing authorities. Income-based rents. Contact Raleigh Housing Authority for availability.

4. Emergency Housing Resources

Shelters in Wake County:

• Salvation Army Center of Hope – Emergency shelter for men, women, and families
• Oak City Cares – Day shelter and services for individuals experiencing homelessness
• Family Promise of Wake County – Shelter and transitional housing for families with children
• Youth Emergency Services – Services for youth ages 12-24

5. Homeowner Resources

Mortgage Assistance:
If you are struggling with mortgage payments, contact your servicer immediately. Options include forbearance, loan modification, and repayment plans.

Property Tax Assistance:
The North Carolina Home Protection Auction program may help homeowners facing tax delinquency. Contact the Wake County Tax Assessor's office.

6. Financial Assistance Programs

• SNAP (Food Stamps): Federally-funded food assistance through NC DSS
• Emergency Energy Assistance (LIEAP): Heating and cooling assistance for low-income households
• Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income individuals and families
• TANF: Cash assistance for families with children
• WIC: Nutrition program for pregnant women, infants, and children under 5

7. Healthcare-Housing Connections

Healthcare and housing are deeply connected. Unstable housing affects health, and health challenges can lead to housing instability.

• Community health centers provide care on sliding-scale fees
• Hospitals have financial assistance programs for qualifying patients
• Community health workers can help navigate systems
• Mental health and substance abuse services available through multiple providers

8. Workforce and Employment Resources

Stable employment is key to housing stability.

• NCWorks Career Centers: Free job search assistance, training referrals, resume help
• Wake Technical Community College: Workforce training, adult education, GED preparation
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Services for individuals with disabilities
• Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn opportunities in various trades

9. Building Long-Term Stability

Once immediate housing needs are addressed, focus on building stability:

• Build an emergency fund – even small amounts help
• Develop a realistic budget and track expenses
• Work on credit building and debt reduction
• Increase skills and credentials for better employment
• Connect with community and social supports
• Plan for housing costs that don't exceed 30% of income

10. Key Contacts and Resources