Rental aid programs serving Bertie County

Rural Bertie County actually has more programs available for local residents than counties twice its size. This is a benefit to lower income households who experience difficulties with making the monthly mortgage payment.

Emergency Shelter

Those who have already been evicted from their homes may get immediate help with emergency shelter through the two primary homeless shelters that serve the area.

  • Bertie-Martin-Beaufort Shelter Home provides limited emergency shelter for small children. Sometimes an adult can find someone to stay with for a few days where bringing the entire family might wear out the welcome mat. Call 252-792-1883 to find out about this option based in Williamston.
  • Rowan-Chowan S.A.F.E. is actually located across the county line in Ahoskie. Call 252-332-1933 for emergency housing.

USDA Rural Development Rent-Controlled Apartments

USDA Rural Development administers 50 apartments that are available to lower income families. Windsor Oaks offers apartments of 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms depending on the family size. Call 252-946-0061 to obtain vacancy information. Instead of a flat rent price, families pay just 30% of their monthly income.

Other rent-controlled apartments and homes are available but are restricted only to Seniors. These include Sandpiper Square Apartments, Cashie Apartments and Windsor Village Apartments. Sandpiper Square and Windsor Village are funded through Project-Based Rental Assistance.

CADA Emergency Rental Assistance

Tenants who need emergency cash assistance to remain in their homes may wish to contact the Choanoke Area Development Association of NC, Inc. CADA receives federal grant money to operate the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Due to federal restrictions and limited funding, not all applicants are approved for rent aid payments. The requests that are approved are used to bring delinquent rent back current again. CADA provides the payment directly to the landlord.

To speak with a CADA case manager, call the Windsor office at 252-794-3107.

Beyond emergency cash aid, CADA also works with adults who have permanent hardship that makes rent permanently unaffordable. Chronic illness or disability are just a couple of qualifications that could result in part of the monthly rent paid on behalf of each household

Subsidies are paid directly to landlords through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Tenants are responsible only for the portion of the rent they can actually afford. Usually this is around 30% of monthly income, though it is adjusted if monthly income changes. To request a rent subsidy, call CADA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program at 252-539-4155.

Rental Loans

Unsecured loans to pay rent are possible for some applicants, though only advisable for those with the ability to repay the funds received. There are a couple of financial institutions to choose from.

  • State Employees Credit Union offers great rates and suitable products for those who meet membership requirements. $500 rental assistance loans are just one option. Call 252-794-4200 for the Windsor branch.
  • Southern Bank and Trust is a for-profit bank, so it is possible that rates may be slightly higher. Call 252-794-3011 for the office on King Street in Windsor.

Any of these community resources will be better than predatory loan products offered through online companies. Before borrowing money though, grants are the best option.