Need help paying your rent in Fayetteville? This program provides you with aid

The City of Fayetteville was awarded federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to help people pay for rent.

Residents who are unable to pay for their rent due to economic constraints of the coronavirus pandemic are able to apply for help through the government.

For applicants, household income has to be at or below 80% of the area median income. In Cumberland County, the median household income is a little more than $46,000.

The city and county have $10 million to help residents pay rent and utility bills.

During the coronavirus, many families are struggling to stay in homes and keep water and electricity running. Some families are on the verge of homelessness.

LaShonda McRae, a Fayetteville resident, lost her job at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after one of her family members came down with COVID-19, and she had t stay at home and take care of her children.

"Both of my sisters, my sisters and my mom and their mothers as well... were hospitalized due to COVID," she said. "I really didn't have anybody to watch them. I had no choice but to leave work."

McRae, like hundreds of Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents, fell behind in their rent and utilities. The new assistance program allows residents to apply online or by phone for benefits.

It's something Fayetteville Mayor, Mitch Colvins, said the city was already offering rental assistance, but now there's more money to go around.

"We were luckily already in the process of pushing those funds out the door," he said. "I'm really excited about how it can help families get back on their feet as they recover financially from COVID."

Residents of Fayetteville who need help covering past, current or upcoming rent and utility payments can apply online or call 888-495-7710 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.