WILMINGTON — The nonprofit New H.O.P.E CDC, started in recent years by New Beginnings Church pastor Rob Campbell, is launching it 2025: A Year of Hope campaign to assist with housing, substance abuse, mental health, economic disparities and education.
READ MORE: ‘They don’t need a handout, just a little help’: Nonprofit assists 32 people in paying rent
The Year of Hope campaign will kick off on Nov. 7, 8 a.m., with the opening of a rental assistance portal. The organization says it will accept up to 100 workforce applicants who will receive a reimbursement of 33.3% of their rent for six months.
“When the calendar flips from one year to another, people naturally believe that a new beginning awaits them,” Campbell said in a press release. “Many believe that 2025 will bring positive change—and we believe that, too. Our goal is to come alongside these individuals and help them build a foundation of hope for the year ahead.”
This is the third time in 2024 New H.O.P.E. CDC has offered assistance to those struggling with the rising cost of rent in New Hanover County. In previous rounds, held during the spring and summer, the organization partnered with 71 families. During the July cycle, Campbell said 500 applications came in during the first few hours of the portal launch.
The program is funded through a $500,000 grant from the New Hanover County’s Workforce Housing Services Program, now in year three. based on the county and city’s Comprehensive Housing Study to address increasing residential supply and people’s access to them, plus retain existing affordable housing stock.
“We intentionally saved a significant portion of the funds for this period because we understand how difficult the holiday season and winter months can be,” Campbell said.
To qualify, applicants must live in New Hanover County, be employed, and earn between 50% to 120% of the area median income. The online application will remain open until Nov. 14 at 11:59 p.m.
While upward of 90% of affordable housing programs focus on the lowest income needs, Campbell’s vision for New H.O.P.E.’s rental program is to benefit workforce housing and the people who don’t normally qualify for public assistance.
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