Emergency Housing Assistance

Effective January 1, 2023, we have new lower income limits to qualify for help to pay rent, utilities, and other housing related costs. There is a $6,000 cap for assistance per household for the calendar year. If you submitted an emergency housing assistance (EHA) application before or on December 31, 2022 we will process that using income guidelines in place at that time. Please be aware that the current processing time for applications is three to four months. Exceptions are made for situations involving evictions, utility disconnections or exiting homelessness. 


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We can pay the following housing costs (Program Flyer PDF)


  • current or past due rent, 
  • current or past due utilities, 
  • security deposits, 
  • application fees, 
  • late pet and other fees to landlords, 
  • internet (must be a documented work related cost), and 
  • housing related court fees. 

We no longer pay future utilities, moving costs, or storage fees. We can cover only one (1) month's future rent.

We may be able to assist with mortgage payments if those are not covered by the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund. 


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We help any household in Orange County. 
You will need to provide proof that you live in Orange County and meet the income limits below. Household means you and anyone else who lives with you.

magnifying glassCheck the income limits to see if you qualify.

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 If you need help with utilities, apply as soon as possible to avoid having your service disconnected. We provide free legal assistance if you have been told to move out.  

 If you have questions about or need help with the application, please call the Housing Helpline at (919) 245-2655 or email housinghelp@orangecountync.gov

 Option 1: Online Application Portal  (click here) 
We are in the process of updating this application. If you want to use the most current application click HERE.

  1. Create an account, confirm it using the link that will be sent to your email, and sign into your account.
  2. Under "Start a New Application", select Emergency Housing Assistance (not another option, such as "HOME Program") in order for your application to go through. Along with the application, you will be required to provide:
    1. Proof of income
    2. Statement, invoice, or other documentation of the expense(s) to be covered
  3. Be sure to click "Complete & Continue" after each section of the application is complete. You can also click "Save" to come back and complete a section later.
  4. Submit your application through the portal once all sections are complete.

 Option 2: Housing Helpline  

  1. Complete an Emergency Housing Assistance application 
    1. Download an application here  or 
    2. Call or email the Housing Helpline to get an application: 919-245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov
  2. Collect the following information:
    1. Proof of income (the application lists examples of proof that we can accept) 
    2. Statement, invoice, or other documentation of the expense(s) to be covered
  3. Submit your application, along with proof of income and any bills: 
    1. By email housinghelp@orangecountync.gov
    2. By mail to Orange County Housing Dept, Attn: EHA, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
    3. By placing them in the drop boxes outside one of housing department offices: 
      Hillsborough - Third floor of The Whitted Building, 300 W. Tryon St (Google Map | Circulator Route) or 
      Chapel Hill - Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd (Google Map | HS Bus Route) 
    4. In person in Hillsborough or at our Chapel Hill location, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

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Contact the Housing Helpline at housinghelp@orangecountync.gov or (919) 245-2655, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Or stop by our Chapel Hill location, Tuesdays or Thursdays, 8:30am-4pm for in-person help.