Help is still possible, nonprofit says
Apr. 6—Lenoir residents can still get coronavirus-related relief payments to help with their rent, mortgage or utility bills, a nonprofit leader said.
The funds, part of a federal relief bill, have trickled down to Caldwell County Yokefellow, a local nonprofit that offers a food bank and other support services, said Sharon Harmon, Yokefellow's executive director.
Yokefellow and the city of Lenoir entered an agreement in August allowing Yokefellow to help city residents get money from those funds to help pay water bills that were behind because of work and pay interruptions related to the pandemic, a press release said.
So far, Yokefellow has disbursed $24,952.81 for water bills, helping 101 households.
In October, those services were expanded, and Yokefellow began helping people who were behind on their rent and mortgage payments because of the pandemic.
Since then, Yokefellow has disbursed $73,815.90 in rent and mortgage payments, aiding 64 households.
The funding will last "until money runs out," Harmon said, so there is still time to get help.
People who live in the Lenoir city limits who need help with their rent, mortgage or water bills can reach out to Yokefellow directly if their need is related to the pandemic, bypassing a referral system that funnels applicants through the Caldwell County Department of Social Services.
Yokefellow processes applications for assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., but people are welcome to drop by on Mondays and Fridays and ask about assistance.
"It's a short screening conversation, and if they do qualify for a program, they can come back in and start the application process," Harmon said.
People who need rental assistance should get a statement from their landlord, like a letter or a past due notice, and proof of household income.
People who need help with their mortgage should bring their last mortgage statement or a letter from their mortgage company stating that your mortgage is in arrears along with proof of household income.
People who need help paying for water should bring their last water bill.
"So once you gather these documents, the application process is quite simple," Harmon said.
Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 828-610-8721.
Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 828-610-8721.
