Friends,

We all benefit when more of our citizens vote. Election Day is just around the corner, and I hope you all have a plan to make your voice heard if you have not yet cast your ballot in this election.

As a reminder: polls open are open from 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM on Tuesday, November 3rd. You must cast your ballot at your assigned polling location. Visit the link below to find your polling place and view your sample ballot!
If you are unable to stand in line or are at high risk for contracting the coronavirus, please remember that curbside voting options are available to you. The time has passed for you to request an absentee ballot, and you should make a plan to vote in person if you have not received or returned your ballot yet.

Please note: you may not deliver your ballot to your polling location on November 3rd. You must deliver your ballot to the Wake County Board of Elections office (1200 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh, 27610) before 5:00 PM on November 3rd. 

Visit the links below for more FAQs about absentee voting and voting on Election Day.
Reminder: although the General Assembly has adjourned, my office is open and utilizing teleworking technologies to meet your needs. We are still able to address any questions or concerns you might have. We will just not be physically in the Legislative Building for a short time. You can still contact my office by emailing [email protected] or by calling 919-715-0795.

Please contact me at any time. I am here to serve you.

Sincerely,
Representative Julie von Haefen
COVID-19 Update
Launch of New Rent & Utility Assistance Program
Applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The new program seeks to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.

The HOPE Program will provide $117 million for rent and utility assistance for renters who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, have a current household income that is 80 percent of the area median income or lower, and are behind on their rent or utilities when they apply. Renters who need rent or utility assistance can apply online at nc211.org/hope. Applicants who cannot access the online application can also call 2-1-1 and speak with a program representative, who will assist the caller through the application on the phone. Callers can reach 2-1-1 Monday-Friday between 7 am and 6 pm.

Renters can apply for utility assistance, rent assistance or both programs. Rent assistance is paid to the landlord on behalf of the applicant. This includes overdue and future rent payments, for up to six months. At least one month’s rent must be overdue at the time of application.

Utility payments will be made directly to the utility provider for up to six months of past due essential utilities, such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, natural gas and propane.
Governor Cooper Signs Eviction Prevention Executive Order
This week Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 171 to strengthen eviction protections to help North Carolina renters stay in their homes. With COVID-19 case counts increasing and many people continuing to work and learn remotely, preventing evictions is critical to the state’s fight against this virus.

The economic toll of COVID-19 has left thousands of families struggling to make ends meet. According to a report from the National Council of State Housing Agencies, approximately 300,000 – 410,000 households across North Carolina are currently unable to pay rent.

Executive Order No. 171 requires landlords to make residential tenants aware of their rights under the CDC Order. For eviction actions commencing after Executive Order No. 171, landlords must give residents the option to fill out a declaration form before starting any eviction action.

The Order also sets forth procedures to ensure protection for residential tenants once they provide the required declaration form to the court or to the landlord.
Office Updates
Application Deadline: NC Department of Administration's State Youth Council Mini-Grant Program
The NC Department of Administration’s Council for Women & Youth Involvement is accepting mini grant applications through its State Youth Council program until November 9, 2020.

The application is open to youth councils, local government, private and non-profit agencies interested in developing innovative youth programs. This year, the State Youth Council will award a total of $6,500 to deserving organizations and agencies. Mini grants will range from $100 to $500. To be eligible, applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020.

All project proposals must adhere to general COVID-19 safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The State Youth Councils will screen applications during the virtual Mini-Grant Conference scheduled for Saturday, November 21. The Youth Advisory Council will also review applications before grants are awarded.

Examples of projects from past mini grant recipients include:
  • A health program to educate youth on how to make better decisions regarding wellness;
  • Acquisition of exercise equipment;
  • And, a partnership with an animal shelter to build pens for dog shelters.

Food, entertainment, travel and salaries do not qualify for grant funding. For additional information and to apply, contact CFWYI Office’s State Youth Council Coordinator, Candace Dudley, at (984) 236-0345.
Get Your Flu Shot!
The first and most important step in protecting you and your family from the flu virus is to get a flu vaccine each year. Yet many North Carolinians don’t get vaccinated.

Contact your health care provider or visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ to find a convenient location to get a flu vaccination near you.