The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) has received funding to support Durham residents in settling housing debts related to COVID-19. This includes past-due utilities, past-due rent, mortgage delinquency, and eviction costs. There is no limit to the request amount; however, all debts must have been accumulated in March 2020 or later and the Housing Debt Assistance Fund can only be accessed once (for housing and utilities). Payments will be disbursed directly to the entity owed. To be eligible you must:

• Complete CEF New Member Orientation and be a Member for at least 30 days (If you or the person you are referring is not currently a CEF Member please fill out this form to be referred for membership)
• Have a budget on file with CEF that was completed or updated in the last 30 days
• Live in Durham County, North Carolina
• Have incurred housing-related debt while living in Durham County, North Carolina
• Fall at 80% or below of the Area Median Income (AMI) according to the 2022 HUD Adjusted Limits

For the first 6 months that the Housing Debt Assistance Fund is open (February-July 2023), priority will be given to individuals who have not previously received direct financial assistance through the Durham Emergency Rental Assistance Program or Rental Relief Program. Due to funding restraints, eviction costs will be prioritized among Durham City (as opposed to Durham County) applicants.

CEF Members who are interested in accessing these funds can call the Durham office (919-797-9233) to schedule a meeting to request assistance. Please bring all documents verifying any outstanding debts or evictions with you to the meeting.