The State recently reopened applications for rent and/or utility bill assistance through its HOPE program. Residents can apply for assistance at 888-9ASK-HOPE or at hope.nc.gov in 88 of the 100 counties in North Carolina. The remaining 12 counties have their own rental and utility bill assistance programs and persons interested in getting help in those counties should apply directly to their county agency. The twelve counties operating independent assistance programs are Wake, Durham, Johnston, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg, New Hanover and Union.