Coronavirus here to help Coverage

Wake program helping families pay rent, utilities during pandemic

There is money available to help, but the problem can be getting it to the people who are hurting. An eviction clinic in Raleigh Saturday worked to connect the two.

Life on Pandemic Avenue: Raleigh teen's book helps kids cope with COVID-19

Ryan Markley, a senior at Athens Drive High School, has already sold 260 copies of her children's book, "Life on Pandemic Avenue."

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Wrong numbers, confusing links slowed applicants to state's rent relief program

A billion-dollar rental assistance effort that has struggled at times to get enough applicants listed incorrect phone numbers, for months, that people could call for more information on the program in two North Carolina counties.

Wake residents have options -- from county, churches -- for help with rent costs

The House Wake program, which covers rent and utility payments for people in Wake County who are struggling financially due to COVID-19, is preparing for a surge of applicants as the eviction moratorium comes to an end July 31.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Wake government, church leaders join forces to prevent evictions as pandemic wears on

The House Wake program makes funds available to help families facing eviction. A church group is working on long-term solutions to the need for affordable housing.

Struggling to pay rent? State has $800 million to distribute, offering families HOPE

Pandemic-related evictions continue to be a hot issue, but there's help for some renters and landlords. Many aren't aware the HOPE (Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions) program is an option. It provides help for those with bills piling up or past due.

Need a lift? Lyft, United Way, Blue Cross join forces to get people to vaccine clinics

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the United Way and Lyft are among those working to make sure that everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get it.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

Durham restaurant partnership feeding families in need during the pandemic

In March 2020, COVID-19 related shutdowns caught most every restaurant by surprise, including downtown Durham's Beyu Caffe. "It was devastating," said owner Dorian Bolden. "You're going from hustling and bustling to, you know, zero."

Anonymous donor helps struggling Fayetteville contractor

A Fayetteville contractor was able to access some of his tools and equipment for the first time in three months on Wednesday.

Veteran Services of the Carolinas offers vets multiple support programs

The non-profit now has programs that span 74 counties in the state, targeting veterans and transitioning service members.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Crowds prompt drive-thru grocery giveaway at PNC Arena to open early

On Tuesday, 1,000 local families struggling to make ends meet will be gifted free groceries, household supplies, baby items and more.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Therapist: Build resilience, connections to deal with continuing COVID-19 stresses

Newton said a healthy way to deal with mental, physical and emotional issues is to build up your resiliency.

How to become a COVID-19 volunteer

Whether you want to help respond to natural disasters or public health emergencies, there are steps everyone must take before they can volunteer with North Carolina Emergency Management.

Here's how you can apply to volunteer at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Members of the public can volunteer to assist the state of North Carolina with emergency response, including the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are some steps involved.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Wilson gospel artist creates song about coronavirus

A gospel artist in Wilson created a new song of encouragement to help people cope during the pandemic.

Ken Smith, anchor/reporter, and Rick Armstrong, photojournalist

Need help heating your home this winter? Apply for help

Beginning Monday, people in North Carolina can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and Crisis Intervention Program.

Billions in federal loans saved many NC companies in pandemic, but not all

From the kitchen to athletics fields to larger corporations, North Carolina businesses faced pandemic-related shutdowns in March. But Congress provided businesses with a lifeline through the Paycheck Protection Program.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

'I'm in a better place now:' WRAL viewers help a Durham grandmother financially hit by pandemic

A struggling Durham grandmother reached out to WRAL to shed light on the challenges of getting help from the Hope Program earlier this week.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL multimedia journalist

Nonprofit starts Chromebook donation drive to help at-risk youth

Last August, before Wake County schools began virtual learning, many students missed out on laptop distribution. The school system was ready to supply loaner devices for every student who signed up.

Lena Tillett, anchor/reporter, and Rick Armstrong, photojournalist

Deadline for NC families to apply for Extra Credit grant is Monday

North Carolina residents have until 2 p.m. on Monday to apply for hundreds of dollars in grant money from the state.

Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter

Give help, get help: Strangers help Raleigh neighbors pay water bills

Families in Raleigh who haven't paid their water bills during the pandemic risk having their water turned off.

Keely Arthur, WRAL reporter

Helping Hand Mission serves homeless on New Bern Avenue

For over 25 years, the Helping Hand Mission has provided meals and clothes to homeless families living in the New Bern Transitional Housing Program on New Bern Avenue.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalist

Local food banks ask for help this Thanksgiving

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and other organizations across the Triangle need help feeding hungry people over the holidays.

Virus could curb red-kettle donations for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has increased demand for their services this holiday season, but face decreased donations due to the pandemic.

Pandemic at Christmas: Salvation Army responds to heightened need, concerns over decreased donations

Just as businesses have been impacted by COVID-19's strain on the economy, many non-profits are also struggling. This holiday season, more families than ever have signed up for Salvation Army's help -- but the Salvation Army faces several struggles due to the pandemic.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter