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Prevention

Preventing families from becoming homeless with Shelter Diversion and Prevention financial assistance programs.

With more than 40% of Americans a $400 expense away from financial distress, the threat of crisis looms closely for too many families. Preventing families from spiraling into homelessness is an essential part of the Family Promise mission.

PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS

​Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear is now offering prevention and shelter diversion services for families with minor children.​

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SHELTER DIVERSION

Shelter Diversion supports families currently experiencing homelessness to help them secure stable, safe housing and avoid the shelter system or the experience of unsheltered living.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Reside in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick County

  • Have minor dependent children or legal guardianship of minor children in your care.

  • Family is currently experiencing homelessness. This includes staying with friends/family (not on a lease), unsheltered living, living in your car, staying in a hotel, or currently in a shelter. 

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Funding Available:

  • Temporary financial assistance to secure permanent housing including security deposit, first-month rent, or utility connection.

  • Eligible applicants can receive assistance for up to $500.

  • If assistance is provided, applicants must wait 12 months before reapplying. 

 

How to Apply for Shelter Diversion:

  • Complete the on-line application below.

  • Submit the following required documents to assistance@familypromiselcf.org, or in person at our office located in the Harrelson Center, 20 N. 4th Street, Suite 440, Wilmington, NC

    • Valid photo ID for all adult household members (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)

    • For security deposit/first month rent:

      • Lease agreement or welcome letter

      • Landlord or leasing agent must agree to complete a W-9 form, our staff will handle this directly with them

    • For utility connection:

      • Copy of utility bill

    • Proof of income for all adult household members (2 of your most recent paystubs from current or last employer, unemployment benefits statements, SSI of disability income, child support documentation, pension, or retirement income).​​

EVICTION PREVENTION

Eviction Prevention supports families that are currently housed but are at imminent risk of homelessness to help them stabilize current housing. 

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Eligibility Requirements:

  • Have minor dependent children or legal guardianship of minor children in your care.

  • Reside in New Hanover County and either live in or have a child that attends one of the following Impact Zone Schools:

    • Forest Hills Elementary School

    • Freeman Elementary School

    • Gregory Elementary School

    • New Hanover High School

    • Snipes Elementary School

    • Virgo Preparatory Academy

    • Williston Middle School

  • *Note: We currently do not have prevention funding for New Hanover County outside of the Impact School Zone or Brunswick and Pender Counties. Please continue to check back for funding updates.

  • Be at risk of eviction or needing assistance with essential utility bills.

  • Must be the primary lease holder/renter (no homeowners) residing in your current home for at least six (6) months.

 

Funding Available:

  • Temporary financial assistance to help resolve an urgent need for rent or utility arrears (not both).

  • Eligible applicants can receive assistance for up to $500.

  • If assistance is provided, applicants must wait 12 months before reapplying. 

 

How to Apply for Eviction Prevention:

  • Complete the on-line application below.

  • Submit the following required documents to assistance@familypromiselcf.org, or in person at our office located in the Harrelson Center, 20 N. 4th Street, Suite 440, Wilmington, NC

    • Valid photo ID for all adult household members (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)

    • For rental assistance:

      • Lease agreement 

      • Court documentation or notice of eviction if applicable

      • Current rental ledger

    • For utility assistance:

      • Current utility bill showing arrears

    • Proof of income for all adult household members (2 of your most recent paystubs from current or last employer, unemployment benefits statements, SSI of disability income, child support documentation, pension, or retirement income).

    • Landlord or leasing agent must agree to complete a W-9 form, our staff will handle this directly with them

Questions?

  • For questions or to make an appointment please contact assistance@familypromiselcf.org or call 910-769-4730 ext. 23. Phone calls will be returned within 3 business days. 

  • Financial assistance hours are 9:30am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday. 

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