Community Resource Center provides financial help to eligible residents
The Community Resource Center has funding available to assist Sussex County residents with overdue rent and utility payments.
In 2022, Sussex County Council awarded CRC with an American Rescue Plan Act grant to assist families throughout Sussex County who are at risk of becoming homeless and to prevent eviction. Funds can be used for subsistence payments to include rent, mortgage and utility arrears.
“Working in partnership with Sussex County government, CRC helps identify households that have been disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the pandemic combined with inflation that have created significant financial challenges,” said Jo Allegro-Smith, Community Resource Center executive director. “These impacted households are typically behind two or more months in their bills and have received notices of eviction, foreclosure and/or termination of utility services.”
Eligible households must be at 65% of area median income or below, complete an intake process and provide required documentation. For more information about ARPA eligibility, contact Annette Johnson, program manager, at 302-260-6922.
The Community Resource Center continues to support the efforts of the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Delaware Housing Assistance Program. To ensure households with the greatest need are prioritized, residents interested in accessing DEHAP must work with a community navigator.
Assistance is available for households that have an eviction summons with a pending court date, or a utility disconnection notice with a shut-off date. Eligible households must be at 50% of the area median income or below, have experienced hardship due to COVID-19 dating back to April 2020, and be at risk of homelessness. For more information about DEHAP eligibility, contact Maria Vincent, community navigator, at 302-278-7415.
The Community Resource Center, a charitable, volunteer-driven organization, was created in 2013 to assist low-income individuals and families in times of need. The CRC has helped thousands in the local area to prevent eviction and utility interruption, fed the hungry, paid for medications for the elderly, and ensured that infants and children have access to basic needs to help them thrive. During the winter months, CRC also offers a day center program for individuals experiencing homelessness. For more information about CRC, go to rehobothcommunitycenter.org.
