Press Release
Charleston County citizens struggling to make rent and utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for aid. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is accepting applications from renters and landlords. Applications can be found here: https://charlestoncounty.org/erap/index.php.
Citizens needing help to fill out the application can call 855-452-5374 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Charleston County is also teaming up with the Charleston County Public Library to provide technology and staff to assist members of the community in applying for the program. Those seeking internet access or need to use a computer may visit any open library location. Starting on April 12th, those seeking one-on-one assistance in the application process should call and make an appointment at one of the following branches:
Baxter-Patrick James Island
Dorchester Road
Main*
St. Paul's Hollywood
Wando Mount Pleasant Library
*A Spanish-speaking staff member is available to assist at the Main Library location.
Please contact one of the branches listed above by phone to make an appointment. For hours of operations of these branches, visit www.ccpl.org/branches. More branches will become available to assist the public with the application in the coming weeks, so check back for an updated list of locations or contact your local branch for more information.
Funding eligibility requirements can be found here: https://charlestoncounty.org/erap/renter.php
The funding is part of $25 billion allocated through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act to help states and local governments with populations over 200,000 establish ERAP programs. Funding will go to help low-income renter households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and where one or more household members qualify for unemployment benefits or have experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic. The priority will be to cover housing-related payments that are past due. Applications will be accepted from either the renter or a landlord on behalf of a renter meeting eligibility requirements.
