More than $100 million sitting unspent in program meant to help pay rent, utility bills A North Carolina program meant to help people financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has only disbursed a quarter of the $160 million set aside for the program. Some people who qualify for the grant can't use it, leaving them open to eviction after the moratorium is lifted. (Source: Gray News) By Nick Ochsner | February 8, 2021 at 12:17 PM EST - Updated February 8 at 6:53 PM CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A program designed to quickly pay rent and utility bills for people financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has struggled to get money out the door.