Wake County, North Carolina is launching an eviction prevention program in an effort to combat homelessness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The "House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program" is reportedly aiming to pay 50% of back rent owed from March to December of 2020 for qualifying residents, ABC 11 reports. In accordance with the program, landlords will forgive the remaining 50% of rent payments owed in 2020, discount rent by 25% from January to March and agree not to evict tenants that are receiving aid from "House Wake!"
"Eviction is a harsh reality that many in our community are facing right now due to no fault of their own," Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford said via ABC 11. "Through this new program, we can mediate relationships with landlords and help more than 3,000 households remain in their homes."
The Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the program, ABC 11 reports.
Residents must rent a property in Wake County, have suffered financially from the COVID-19 pandemic and not currently receive other rental assistance in order to qualify for "House Wake!" benefits.
More information can be found on Wake County's official website here.
Additionally, the Wake County Public School System is expected to vote on a proposal to reopen schools during a three-week in-person rotation beginning this month during Tuesday's board meeting, ABC 11 reports.
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