FAQs • Winston-Salem, NC • CivicEngage

This is a city program. Why do I apply at these social agencies?: The city does not have any existing programs that deliver monthly assistance to residents, nor does it have any experience administering such programs. Because of the extremely short time that was available between when the city learned it would receive the money, and when the federal government wanted funds to start being disbursed, the city chose to partner with these social service agencies to administer the program.

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RUMA Pandemic Assistance

1. What is a “household”?: Any group of people, related or not, sharing living arrangements. The household income is the combined total income of all workers in the household, including children aged 18 and older.

2. I live by myself. Am I an eligible “household?”: Yes, provided that you are responsible for paying the rent, mortgages and utilities where you live and that you meet all the other eligibility requirements.

3. How is household income calculated?: Household income is the combined total income of all workers in the household, including children aged 18 and older.

You must provide documents that show one or more individuals within the household:

Has qualified for unemployment benefits; or
Has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic
Is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include:
A past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice
Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions

5. I am a tenant; do I need to get my landlord to participate?: Yes. You will receive more information about this when you apply.

6. Who receives the payment?: Payments will be made to the landlord or property management company or in the case of mortgage assistance, to the lender.

7. How much can I receive?: The program is designed to make up the difference between what you can afford to pay and what you have to pay for rent, mortgage or utilities. The agency taking your application will work with you; the amount of assistance will vary from household to household based on its circumstances.

8. I have a mortgage, but I also need assistance with utilities. Can I apply for both at Financial Pathways of the Piedmont?: Unfortunately, no. Financial Pathways is only set up to administer mortgage assistance. You will have to make a separate application for utilities assistance at either Sunnyside Ministry or HARRY Veteran Community Outreach Service.

9. Is HARRY Veteran Community Outreach Service only accepting applications from veterans?: No. HARRY will process all application, including those of non-veterans.

10. How is the RUMA program different from ERAP?: RUMA is available to low-income homeowners who are behind on their mortgage as well as to renters. ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) is available only to renters. Also, ERAP includes internet service as a utility that is eligible for payment assistance. RUMA does not.

11. This is a city program. Why do I apply at these social agencies?: The city does not have any existing programs that deliver monthly assistance to residents, nor does it have any experience administering such programs. Because of the extremely short time that was available between when the city learned it would receive the money, and when the federal government wanted funds to start being disbursed, the city chose to partner with these social service agencies to administer the program.

12. How long can I receive assistance?: The RUMA program provides assistance for up to six months, provided that funds are still available and the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements.