Raleigh Resource Guide Series™

Rent Assistance in Raleigh, NC: A Complete Guide

Educational guide to rental assistance programs available to Wake County and Raleigh residents. Understanding your options for managing housing costs without sales pressure.

March 2026 16 min read Resource Guide

Part of the Raleigh Resource Guide Series™ — Clear, factual information to help residents navigate available resources.

Understanding Rent Assistance in the Raleigh Area

When housing costs exceed what you can afford, rental assistance programs can provide critical support. The Raleigh and Wake County area offers several assistance programs—but understanding how they work, what they cover, and how to access them is essential for navigating the system effectively.

Start With 2-1-1

Before diving into specific programs, call or text 2-1-1. A trained specialist will help identify which programs you might qualify for and guide you through the process. This is the fastest way to understand your options.

Types of Rental Assistance Available

Rental assistance in the Raleigh area comes in several forms, each with different eligibility requirements, benefit levels, and application processes:

Emergency rental assistance — One-time or short-term help to prevent eviction or homelessness
Ongoing rental subsidies — Longer-term assistance that makes housing affordable over time
Security deposit assistance — Help with upfront costs to secure new housing
Utility assistance — Help with utility costs that affect housing affordability
Case management and referrals — Coordinated support to address underlying issues

Major Rental Assistance Programs in Wake County

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides federal funding to help households who are behind on rent due to COVID-19 or other qualifying circumstances. While the main ERAP programs have concluded, some state and local programs continue with remaining funds.

Key characteristics:

Can cover past-due rent and utilities
Income-based eligibility (typically 80% of area median income or below)
Must have experienced financial hardship related to COVID-19 or other qualifying event
Landlord cooperation often required

Wake County Human Services Emergency Assistance

Wake County Human Services provides emergency financial assistance through various programs including:

Emergency Assistance Program for qualifying families
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility help
Referrals to housing social work services

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program provides ongoing rental subsidies for low-income households. The Raleigh Housing Authority administers vouchers for the Raleigh area.

Key realities:

Waitlists are currently open or closed depending on funding cycles—check with Raleigh Housing Authority
Once issued, vouchers allow you to rent from any participating landlord
You typically pay 30-40% of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the difference
Vouchers have time limits for finding housing

Nonprofit Rental Assistance Programs

Several nonprofit organizations in the Raleigh area provide rental assistance through private funding, foundation grants, and community donations:

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh

Provides emergency assistance including rent help for qualifying households regardless of religious background. Services include case management and referrals.

Contact: catholiccharities.org

The Salvation Army of Wake County

Emergency assistance including rent and utility help for families in crisis. Services available to anyone meeting eligibility requirements.

Contact: 919-834-6733

United Way of the Greater Triangle

Coordinates community resources and provides direct assistance through partner agencies. Call 2-1-1 for referrals.

Contact: 2-1-1 or unitedwaygt.org

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Volunteer-based organization providing emergency assistance including rent help, utilities, and food. Services based on need, not membership.

Contact through local parish or 2-1-1

Alliance Health Services

Provides rental assistance as part of supportive services for individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.

Contact through 2-1-1 for referral

How to Apply for Rental Assistance

The application process for rental assistance varies by program, but certain steps are common across most programs:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Most programs require documentation including:

Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
Proof of residency (lease, utility bills, mail with address)
Landlord verification (lease agreement, statement of arrears)
Documentation of the crisis or hardship (layoff notice, medical bills, etc.)

Step 2: Make Contact

Start with 2-1-1 to be connected to the right programs. Then contact specific programs directly. Note that many programs have limited funding and may have waitlists or temporary closures.

Step 3: Follow Through

Respond promptly to requests for additional information. Missing documentation or delayed responses can result in applications being closed. Keep records of all communications.

Realistic Expectations

Processing times vary from days to weeks depending on program and volume
Not everyone who applies will qualify—eligibility requirements vary
Assistance amounts may not cover the full need
Most programs provide temporary help, not permanent solutions