E.V.E. Outreach provides emergency rent and utility assistance and home safety repairs for low-income individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors with disabilities in New Bern and Craven County.

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​Because our funding is limited, most households can receive help from each program once per year, as funding allows.

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Eligibility & How to Apply

Emergency Rent Assistance – New Bern & Craven County

You may qualify for rent assistance if:

• You live in New Bern or Craven County, and

• You have received a late notice, court notice, or eviction notice, and

• You meet our income guidelines (Tier 1–3), and

• You are willing to enroll in and complete our Financial Literacy class as part of your assistance plan.

When funding is available, we may be able to help with past-due rent or move-in costs (such as a security deposit) to prevent eviction or homelessness.

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Utility Assistance – New Bern & Craven County

You may qualify for utility assistance if:

• You live in New Bern or Craven County, and

• You have received a disconnection notice or your utilities are already off, and

• You meet our income guidelines (Tier 1–3), and

• You are willing to enroll in and complete our Financial Literacy class as part of your assistance plan.

When funding is available, we may be able to help with past-due electric, water, or gas bills to prevent or restore shut-offs.

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Home Safety Repairs – New Bern & Craven County

You may qualify for home safety repairs if:

• You live in New Bern or Craven County, and

• You are a senior or a neighbor with a disability, and

• You meet our income guidelines (Tier 1–3).

Our Financial Literacy class is strongly encouraged for home repair clients, especially if you are also facing financial stress.

Home safety repairs are limited to small, non-licensed projects such as grab bar installation, handrail repair, smoke detector installation, minor drywall repair, painting, and basic weatherproofing. All repairs are performed by trained volunteers.

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How to Apply for Help (Step-by-Step)

1. Request an Appointment

Visit our Book Online page or call us during business hours to request an intake appointment for rent assistance, utility assistance, or home repairs.

2. Complete Intake

During your appointment, we will:

• Review your situation and documents

• Confirm your income tier

• Determine which program(s) you may qualify for

• Explain our Financial Literacy class requirement for financial assistance (rent and utilities)

3. Enroll in Financial Literacy Class

If you are approved for rent or utility assistance, you will be asked to:

• Enroll in our Financial Literacy class, and

• Commit to attending the scheduled sessions (in-person or online, when available).

We will help you choose a time and format that works for you. The class is designed to be practical and judgment-free, using simple tools to help you manage income, expenses, and future emergencies.

4. Triage & Decision

We prioritize:

• Tier 1 emergencies (immediate risk of eviction, homelessness, or utility shut-off), and

• Safety issues for seniors and people with disabilities.

We will let you know what type of help we can offer—full assistance, partial assistance, or referrals—and how the Financial Literacy class fits into your plan.

5. Payment or Service Scheduling

If approved, we typically:

• Pay landlords or utility companies directly, or

• Schedule volunteers for home repairs.

We will explain the next steps, including your class schedule and any follow-up needed.

6. Follow-Up & Referrals

Even if we cannot help financially, we will do our best to:

• Connect you to other New Bern and Craven County resources

• Share information about food, clothing, and seasonal support

• Invite you to financial literacy and digital skills classes that can help you stabilize your situation over time.