FAQ's
To help make things easier, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the foundation?
Our mission is to ensure housing stability for individuals and families temporarily facing financial struggles by providing rental assistance and other housing-related expenses. We aim to prevent evictions, preserve tenancies, and promote equitable access to safe and affordable housing.
How, specifically, is rent relief provided to those in need?
One of the most significant contributions we can make in preventing evictions is providing rental bond payments. A rental bond is a sum of money paid during the pendency of a court eviction case, which allows the tenant to remain in the property until the case is finally decided or resolved. It provides financial protection for both landlord and tenant while efforts are being made to pay overdue rent or deal with other lease issues. Covering these bonds on behalf of tenants can mean the difference between being immediately forced out of their homes or being able to remain in their homes until the eviction proceedings are resolved—hopefully in a way that allows the tenant to remain in the premises.
What impact has the foundation had on the community?
In recent years Caris Foundation contributions to our Durham neighbors in need totaled over $50,000 per year, enabling hundreds of families in Durham to stay in their homes by covering rental payments or utilities and averting the threat of eviction.
Does Caris work with other community groups?
Caris works closely with Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Duke Civil Justice Clinic to identify Durham tenants with pending eviction cases who have been unable to pay their rent because of short-term difficulties but have the financial ability for the future to sustain their leases. We also work with willing landlords before eviction proceedings have been started to assist tenants who have fallen behind in their rent.
Doesn't Durham social services also provide rent bonds?
While Durham Social Services does offer some assistance, they are frequently unable to provide emergency rental payments promptly enough to meet the pressing needs of those in dire situations. Often, a tenant has only 7-10 days from being served with eviction papers to find resources to pay rent that is overdue. Fortunately, Caris Foundation has been able to step in and fill this crucial gap, offering rental assistance that provides tenants with the crucial extra time they need to keep a roof over their heads.
How is the success of the foundation's work measured?
Success is measured by various factors such as the number of families assisted, reduction in eviction rates, improvement in housing stability, and ultimately, the long-term beneficial impact on our community.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Donations to the Foundation are typically tax deductible, as the Foundation is a registered non-profit organization with the IRS. Each donation will be acknowledged when received and, again, after year-end for tax purposes.
What is the process for making a donation?
We can receive checks or stock transfers. You can make your check out to Caris Foundation and mail it to:
Caris Foundation
1821 Hillandale Road, Suite 1B
Box #154
Durham, NC 27705-2671
If you wish to make a stock transfer, please call Charles Holton at 984-219-3602.
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Also in 2023, Deeds for Deeds, a Durham non-profit, is diverting all their fundraising to Caris. Learn more about that here.
Each donation will be acknowledged when received and, again, after year-end for tax purposes.