How can I get a home improvement grant in North Carolina?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in North Carolina or any other state in the US are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters, and lenders. These funds may primarily be used by low-income families with children, low-income single parents, low-income senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. The eligibility requirements on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property. Reaching out to federal, state and county agencies that administer grant and loan programs and getting informed of the documents and eligibility requirements is your first step.

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For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

HUD provides federal assistance to local administrations and organizations, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program. 

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact your local office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC

Explore comprehensive home improvement programs available in your area. Whether you're looking to upgrade your windows, install a new roof, or completely remodel your home, find out how these programs can help you achieve your goals with financial assistance and expert advice.

Access Virginia Home Improvement Programs

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by the United Way of North Carolina. This is a free, live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. https://nc211.org/

How can I get a solar grant in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs, which are available for residential customers, small and large businesses, and government agencies, to improve the environment and stimulate sustainable economic development and growth. Going solar in 2021 is essential for reducing carbon emissions by using renewable clean energy from the sun and lowering your monthly energy costs. Beyond the federal ITC, North Carolina offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a federal policy that supports the use of solar energy in the USA. This policy represents a 26% tax credit claimed against the tax liability for solar systems on residential and commercial properties. North Carolina’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $11,262.00 to $15,238.00. You can apply for this credit on your taxes when you purchase solar systems and install them on your roofs.

The percentage that you can get is the following:

  • 26 percent for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022,
  • 22 percent for projects that begin construction in 2023,
  • After 2023, the residential credit drops to zero while the commercial credit drops to a permanent 10 percent.

To apply for this credit you must meet certain criteria, such as:

  • The solar PV system is located at your primary or secondary residence in the United States, or for an off-site community solar project, if the electricity generated is credited against, and does not exceed, your home’s electricity consumption,
  • You own the solar PV system (i.e., you purchased it with cash or through financing but you are neither leasing nor are in an arrangement to purchase electricity generated by a system you do not own),
  • The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time. The credit can only be claimed on the “original installation” of the solar equipment.

Duke Energy offers rebates to North Carolina customers who want to install a solar panel system. Residential customers, who are accepted into the program, will receive 40 cents per watt, or a $4,000.00 maximum rebate. You can apply for a rebate reservation before installing your system. If you are interested in going solar, contact NCSolarRebate@duke-energy.com.

North Carolina exempts 80% of the appraised value of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system from property tax. Residential PV systems not used to generate income or in connection with a business may be fully exempt from property taxation as non-business personal property. Exempting property value increases from solar power systems from accompanying property taxes is an easy way to incentivize solar power. 

How can I get a debt grant?

Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in North Carolina to consolidate and lower your debts. While the government and government-approved agencies do not typically provide debt grants, they do offer a variety of programs that can assist consumers who are struggling with their finances or overwhelmed with credit card debts. Many credit counselors offer debt consolidation programs that can lower the interest rate on your outstanding debts, like high-interest credit card debts. Another option at your disposal is the debt consolidation loans where a debt consolidation lender pays off your debts and all you are left with is one single payment for this new loan. The third option is debt settlement in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditors. 

If you’re facing unmanageable debt, a Debt Management Program might be the answer. This program helps you pay off your debt to multiple creditors with a single, comfortable monthly payment. When you sign for this kind of program at any of the available agencies, they negotiate better terms for you from each of your creditors. The payment then goes to your chosen agency and they distribute those funds on your behalf. A debt management plan is not a loan, but an agreement between debt management companies and creditors on your behalf. Although this is NOT a grant, you still save money in interest and fees. Before you agree to a debt management plan, it is advisable to get help from a credit counseling organization. Debt Management Plans usually last from 36 to 60 months. The link below shows a list of approved credit counseling agencies in the state of North Carolina you may contact:

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=NC

You can also try and reduce your debt by applying online for debt counseling services at InCharge.org, a non-profit organization. This organization has a debt management program that works directly with creditors to consolidate your debt through the method of combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, reduce the interest rate on your credit, and create a monthly payment plan that you can afford.

Another financial strategy to pay off your debts is through a Debt Consolidation Loan. This means getting a loan to pay off all of your debts and then make single monthly payments to your lender. The advantages are that debt consolidation loans usually carry a lower interest rate, and these loans usually take 2 to 5 years to repay, depending on the amount. The loans can be secured by a home, car, or property or be unsecured.

Debt Settlement is your third option, in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditor. This settlement reduces your existing loan principles and credit card balances by a substantial margin. This option is a prime alternative to bankruptcy. 

If you are having credit card debts, you can use a Balance Transfer Credit Card. This type of card typically comes with a promotional, low, or zero percent interest rate, which lasts usually 12-18, but in some cases could go for 24 months.

Are there homeowner grants for bills?

The government or other available grant programs can provide financial aid to help pay for housing, rent, utilities, medical supplies, or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, seniors, the disabled, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Residents of North Carolina impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in North Carolina also have programs to assist low-income customers. These funds may help you pay your utility bills or lower the amount of energy you use. 

The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. There are eligibility requirements based on income, residence, and the applicant’s use of social service programs. The benefit amount is either $200, $300, $400, and this is determined based on household size, household income, and the household heating source. If you are having trouble paying your bills, this is the right program to apply for, call 919-731-1577 to speak with an Energy worker.

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a federally funded program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis. The maximum allowed benefit amount established by the state during the State fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is $600.00. This program is found in all North Carolina Counties.

Work First Emergency Assistance (WFEA) can be used to assist income-eligible families with rent/mortgage or utilities. There must be a child under the age of 18 in the home and at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A family may receive cash assistance in North Carolina for 24 months and then must remain off Work First three years before being eligible again. Total gross family income must be at 150 percent or 200 percent of the federal poverty level as specified in the County Work First Plan. 

Use the link below, to get more information and apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Crisis Intervention Program, Work First Emergency Assistance, and many similar programs in North Carolina that provide financial aid to people in need:

https://epass.nc.gov/. You can also contact your local department of social services to apply by phone: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory.

The Lifeline Assistance Program offers discounts on your communication bill. This program provides up to $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers and up to $34.35 for those on Tribal lands.

The Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP) was established by the City of Raleigh in partnership with the Wake County Human Services Department, to help economically distressed water and sewer utility customers manage their utility bills. To learn more about UCAP and eligibility requirements, call 919-996-3245.

Emergency assistance programs in Davidson County provide eligible families experiencing a financial crisis with assistance in paying for their utilities, rent/mortgage, or non-narcotic medications. The Work First Emergency Assistance (WFEA) and the General Assistance (GA) may be used to assist income-eligible families with rent/mortgage or utilities.    

Cities in North Carolina, such as the city of Archdale, offer Covid-19 Utility Assistance Programs, to help their residents impacted by the pandemics pay for their utility bills. Eligible households will be able to receive assistance in paying the amount currently due to avoid discontinuation of services up to $55.76 for one month. If you have any questions about the application or qualifications, please contact us at 336-434-9983 or via email at hlunsford@archdale-nc.gov, or apply online using the application below:

https://www.archdale-nc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/828/Utility-Assistance-Program—Application-12-7-20-PDF.

The City of Gastonia offers financial aid for up to 6 months to its financially impacted residents, affected by Covid-19. These funds will be made directly to your utility provider to cover the bills for water/sewer, electric, and natural gas, including past due, current, and future. Use the application below to apply online:

https://gastonianc.seamlessdocs.com/f/UtilityAssistance

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

Although there are no specific tax grants for homeowners, there are cases in which you can get help with your debt to the IRS. North Carolina offers three property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners.​

The Elderly/Disabled Property Tax Relief excludes the greater of the first $25,000.00 or 50% of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a qualifying owner. Eligible applicants are people at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled whose income does not exceed 150% of the income eligibility limit. Use the link below to apply online for this benefit:

https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/2021-AV-9-Revised-Secured.pdf

The Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program allows taxes for each year to be limited to a percentage of the owner’s income. Taxes above the limitation amount are deferred, which means delayed until a future date. For an owner whose 2020 income does not exceed $31,500.00, the owner’s taxes will be limited to 4% of their income. For an owner whose 2020 income exceeds $31,500.00 but does not exceed $47,250.00, the owner’s taxes will be limited to 5% of their income. 

The Disabled Veteran Exclusion excludes up to the first $45,000.00 of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a veteran discharged under honorable conditions who has a total and permanent disability that is service-connected or who receives benefits for specially adapted housing.

The NC Home Advantage Tax Credit enables eligible first-time buyers (those who haven’t owned a home as their principal residence in the past three years) and military veterans to save up to $2,000.00 a year on their federal taxes with a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). If you qualify, you can claim a federal tax credit for 30% of the interest you pay on an existing home (50% on a newly built home), up to $2,000.00 per year for every year you live in your home.

How can I get a grant to repair my home?

Home repair grants and loans are NOT given to anyone and for any purpose. The best way to get a grant to repair your home is to meet all the required criteria, have all the necessary documents, and submit your application within the given deadline.

Each of these grants varies in income, age, type of repair necessary, and location of the property. Very low income and low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans have a primary position when it comes to approval. Repairing a home is a very broad subject and can cover many projects within. Unfortunately, not all of them are eligible for grant fundings. No one will give you free money if you don’t like the tiles in your bathroom or the color of your kitchen cabinets. Emergency repairs, including repairs addressing health and safety hazards, as well as home modifications that improve code violations are the only eligible repairs. Start by researching online on the available federal and state programs, then move to your county and city. Non-profit organizations, charities, and local churches also provide financial aid, volunteer labor, or discounted material you may use.

Keep in mind these funds are limited and they usually work on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be informed on time. Make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. Another fact you should know is that not all grants will be categorized specifically under home improvement needs. They may be related to broader themes such as conservation, community upgrades, veteran or low-income family support for all residents.

For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials.  https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. https://nc211.org/.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in North Carolina to help with the cost of repairing or installing new windows if your current windows are cracked, broken, leaking, old, or inefficient. Window repair and replacement are considered an emergency repair and it is usually covered by all home improvement grant and loan programs.

North Carolina low-income residents and renters may use the North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program, whose services include reducing home energy and utility bills. Although WAP is not a home improvement program and will not cover the cost of new windows, it can still provide minor repairs that can save you up to $300.00 on your utility bills. To apply, use the link:

https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/NC/WAP

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents in need, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina, a non-profit organization. There are over 60 affiliate offices in this state and they all provide help in rehabilitating and repairing homes of low-income families.

Almost all counties and major cities in the state of North Carolina offer home improvement grants and zero-interest or deferred payment loans. Orange County low-income homeowners may use the Urgent Repair Program and get financial assistance in the form of a deferred, unsecured, zero-interest loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000.00 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero. These forgivable loans can be used to make essential home repairs, such as replacing broken or inefficient windows. They may also use the Single-Family Rehabilitation Program and get more money to cover the cost of their windows repair or replacement. Wilson County residents may use the Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program, or the Urgent Repair Program to completely or partially cover their windows repair/replacement project. 

The City of Charlotte operates a Safe Home Housing Rehabilitation Program, and the City of Raleigh offers the Limited Repair Program to help with the cost of home improvement projects such as windows repair/replacement. The City of Greensboro’s Neighborhood Development Department also operates home improvement programs to help its residents. Greensboro residents may also use the Citywide Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program and get rehabilitation loans, both deferred and repayable, at zero and three percent interest.

If you are in need of such programs to repair or replace your windows, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials.  https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. https://nc211.org/.

How can I get a grant for new flooring?

A home improvement flooring project is a complex and very expensive project. Whatever your home flooring style, you’re sure to face a repair or replacement project if you live in your home for a long time or have moved into an older property. Luckily, low and moderate-income homeowners in North Carolina can reach their local government or visit their government official site and apply for a home improvement grant or a zero-interest loan. These grants and zero or low-interest loans offer partial or complete financial aid to eligible homeowners, and they can be used for fixing health and safety-critical issues, as well as emergency repairs. Start your research online for federal, state, county, or city programs that may help you partially or completely lower your home improvement project cost.

If you are living in a rural area in North Carolina and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs, is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, a program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. 

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Almost all counties and major cities in the state of North Carolina offer home improvement grants and zero-interest or deferred payment loans. Rotten floors are considered an emergency threat to household members and may be covered by the Urgent Repair Program, operated by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. If you are approved, you could receive assistance in the form of an interest-free, deferred loan, forgiven at $2,000.00 a year, to pay for necessary repairs. Orange County low-income residents may also get financial help to completely or partially cover the cost of their flooring repair/replacement. The Urgent Repair Program and the Single Family Rehabilitation Program provide zero-interest, forgivable loans. Wilson County residents may also start applying to their two home improvement programs. The Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Program and the Urgent Repair Program offer funds to low-income homeowners facing difficulties in covering the cost of their flooring repair/replacement projects. 

If you are in need of such programs to repair or replace your flooring, as well as to address foundation repairs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:

https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials.  https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. https://nc211.org/.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in North Carolina may get help from many federal, state, county, and city programs, as well as non-profit organizations and charities. This help can be in the form of home maintenance and minor repair services, transportation, assistive technology equipment, legal aid, food vouchers, and home-delivered meals, senior centers, caregiver counseling, and in-home respite care, etc. These assistance programs help the elderly, retirees, and older Americans, whether they have medical issues or not. The North Carolina Department of Aging offers services and programs to assist older North Carolinians. Most of these services are provided by the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, found in many locations throughout NC. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services/adult-day-services/daas-area-agencies-aging.

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency provides financing to North Carolina residents in need through local government or non-profit agencies. Their Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program offers funds to cover the cost of major repairs to elderly citizens and people with disabilities, whose income is 80% or below of the area median income. If you are approved, you could receive assistance in the form of a secured but interest-free, deferred loan, forgiven at $5,000.00 a year, to pay for necessary repairs. The Urgent Repair Program is another available option, financed by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The funds may be used in emergency home repairs for North Carolina homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for their area. Emergency repairs correct housing conditions that threaten your life or safety, such as failing septic systems, dangerous heating systems, or rotten floors. If you are approved, you could receive assistance in the form of an interest-free, deferred loan, forgiven at $2,000.00 a year, to pay for necessary repairs. Find a local provider in the area and apply to any of these programs:

https://www.nchfa.com/homeownership-partners/community-partners/current-community-partners.

Senior residents of Wake County may use the Elderly and Disabled Grants if their household income is at or below 50% of the area median income. Elder citizens and people with disabilities may also use funds from the Limited Repair Program, operated in the City of Raleigh. These funds cannot exceed $15,000.00 and they are provided through deferred, non-interest-bearing loans. Wake County also offers a group of partnering agencies called The Wake Community Resource Connections, which provides different types of services to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. This network of agencies can cover the cost of food, utilities, home modifications, and home repair, provide counseling, provide help with the employment of seniors and people with disabilities, and more. Contact the organization at the link below and ask for the service you need: http://www.wakecrc.org/content/contact-wake-crc.

North Carolina Adult Care Homes is a state-funded program that has been administered by the Division of Health Service Regulation for the elderly who cannot take care of themselves at home but do not want to live in a nursing home. Older people may benefit from these adult care homes during the daytime to get help with dressing, eating, bathing, socialization, and more. There are over 1,200 adult care homes in North Carolina.

The Salvation Army in North Carolina offers emergency financial assistance and crisis services for people in need. Economically struggling senior residents are urged to apply to this establishment to benefit from various opportunities. The amount of financial aid differs based on the financial condition of the applicant. Besides the cash assistance, the Salvation Army in North Carolina provides rent, utility, food, and clothing assistance.

The Elderly/Disabled Property Tax Relief excludes the greater of the first $25,000.00 or 50% of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a qualifying owner. Eligible applicants are people at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled whose income does not exceed 150% of the income eligibility limit. Use the link below to apply online for this benefit:

https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/2021-AV-9-Revised-Secured.pdf

If you are living in a rural area in North Carolina and anywhere in the US, getting help for home improvement projects is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. 

Are there grants for low income homeowners?

There is a variety of financial assistance available when it comes to home improvement grants and loans in North Carolina. You may be eligible for all kinds of federal, state, county, or city grant programs. There are also non-profit organizations and charities that help families in need, giving priority to low-income families with children, seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans.

If you are living in a rural area in North Carolina and anywhere in the US, getting help for home improvement projects is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers a Section 502 Single Family Direct Loan Program to income-eligible applicants living in rural areas.

The Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is a non-profit organization and an outside loan application packager for the USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program. Residents of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties may use this organization to cover the cost of home improvement projects. Eligible repairs include floor repair, roof leaks, ramps, grab bars, minor plumbing repairs, steps and handrails, water heater replacement, etc. Use the application below to start your process:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5978f8bd20099e87a4b741b0/t/5b55d8f988251b47553bef0d/1532352801023/Home+Repair.pdf

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina, a non-profit organization. There are over 60 affiliate offices in this state and they all provide help in rehabilitating and repairing homes of low-income families. 

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency provides financing to North Carolina residents in need through local government or non-profit agencies. Their Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program offers funds to cover the cost of major repairs to elderly citizens and people with disabilities, whose income is 80% or below of the area median income. If you are approved, you could receive assistance in the form of a secured but interest-free, deferred loan, forgiven at $5,000.00 a year, to pay for necessary repairs. The Urgent Repair Program is another available option, financed by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The funds may be used in emergency home repairs for North Carolina homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for their area. Emergency repairs correct housing conditions that threaten your life or safety, such as failing septic systems, dangerous heating systems, or rotten floors. If you are approved, you could receive assistance in the form of an interest-free, deferred loan, forgiven at $2,000.00 a year, to pay for necessary repairs. Find a local provider in the area and apply to any of these programs:

https://www.nchfa.com/homeownership-partners/community-partners/current-community-partners

If your home was damaged by Hurricane Florence or Hurricane Matthew, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency or NReBuild NC may be able to help. The Homeowner Recovery Program provides assistance to repair, reconstruct, replace or elevate your home or reimburse you for completed repairs. Use the application below to start your process:

https://rebuildnc.tfaforms.net/4815414.

Orange County low-income residents may get financial help through the Urgent Repair Program to address emergency repairs and comprehensive housing rehabilitation. These funds are available to homeowners with a household income at or below 50% of the area median income. URP assistance is in the form of a deferred, unsecured, zero-interest loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000.00 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero. The maximum loan amount is $10,000.00. If you need a major home improvement, then you may use the Single Family Rehabilitation Program. These funds are available to homeowners with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. SFR assistance is in the form of a deferred, zero-interest loan, forgivable over a period between 10 to 20 years depending on the loan amount until the principal balance is reduced to zero. The loan will be secured by a recorded Deed of Trust. The cost of the rehab cannot exceed $50,000.00. 

Wilson County residents may also start applying to their two home improvement programs. The Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Program or ESFR provides loans from $5,000.00 to $30,000.00 to homeowners whose gross annual household income is at or below 80% of the statewide median income. Other requirements include being an elderly or disabled household member or a child under the age of six with lead hazards in the home. Eligible repairs include installing a new roof, updating electrical or plumbing systems, replacing floors, windows, walls and ceilings, and more. Senior citizens and people with disabilities may also use the Urgent Repair Program to address housing conditions that pose an imminent threat to their life and safety. The maximum amount of assistance is $10,000.00 per dwelling unit. Eligible repairs include repair and replacement of windows, doors, water heaters, imminent structural system failures (roofs, steps, porches), repairs to prevent the imminent displacement of eligible households, and more. 

Wake County’s Housing and Community Revitalization Division offers two types of rehabilitation programs to meet the needs of citizens. Elderly And Disabled Homeowner Grants are available to elderly citizens and people with disabilities earning at or below 50% of area median income. These funds may be used in modest repairs to assist with mobility or retrofits needed after hospital days. An Emergency Grant Program is available to all low income homeowners with a household income at or below 40% of the area median income. Eligible repairs include heating, well/septic, roof, and electrical hazards.

The City of Charlotte offers a couple of home improvement programs for its residents. The Safe Home Housing Rehabilitation Program provides grants to low-income homeowners for correction of code violations and general property improvements. The single-family homeowners occupying the home, with incomes under 60 percent of the area median income are eligible for these funds. The LeadSafe Charlotte program provides grants to low-income homeowners to address unsafe lead paint conditions. And the Safe Home Emergency Repair Program helps low-income Charlotte residents to address immediate threats to their health and safety from a recent system failure.

Elder citizens and people with disabilities from the City of Raleigh may also use funds from the Limited Repair Program. These funds cannot exceed $15,000.00 and they are provided through deferred, non-interest-bearing loans that discount (principal is reduced) 20% per year for five years. The loan is forgiven after five years of owner occupancy. Eligible repairs include roof, heating and cooling systems, electrical, plumbing, or structural problems, to at least one or two faulty systems. For more information, call the Housing and Neighborhoods Department at 919-996-4330.

The City of Greensboro’s Neighborhood Development Department operates home improvement programs to help its residents. Their Lead Safe Housing Program provides grants to assist low-income homeowners (household income below 80% of the area median income) with addressing unsafe lead paint conditions. These funds may be used in removing and replacing windows and doors that have been identified with lead-based paint hazards, painting or siding the exterior of the house, and repairing interior doors to ensure smooth operation, which reduces the occurrence of lead-contaminated paint dust. Greensboro residents may also use the Citywide Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program and get rehabilitation loans, both deferred and repayable, at zero and three percent interest. The maximum amount you may receive cannot exceed $60,000.00. You may use the application below if you are interested:  

https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/33267/637552087737830000

The city also offers Handicapped Accessibility Grants of up to $15,000.00 are available to qualifying homeowners and owners of rental property. And if your property was damaged as a result of a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods, you may receive financial aid through the Disaster Relief Homeowner Program.

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

The easiest homeowner grants to get are those that have a solid foundation for requesting money, are well-thought-out, have a plan for the future, and are clear and concise in their goals and objectives. To obtain a grant, first, you look for an organization whose goals match what you need to have funded. Second, make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. All grants and loans vary by age, income, type, and location. These fundings are primarily available to low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Damages from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods are usually covered by various state and local programs. For example, if your home was damaged by Hurricane Florence or Hurricane Matthew, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency or NReBuild NC may be able to help. The Homeowner Recovery Program provides assistance to repair, reconstruct, replace or elevate your home or reimburse you for completed repairs. Use the application below to start your process: https://rebuildnc.tfaforms.net/4815414.

For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. If you need such programs to repair your home, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:

https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials.  https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. https://nc211.org/.

Keep in mind, there are no “easy” grants to get. There is a reason these funds are only available to people meeting all the required criteria. They are here to help people in need live in homes without code violations and health and safety hazards.

Can I get a grant to renovate my house?

House renovation grants in North Carolina and any other state are available to applicants but ONLY if you need an emergency modification in your home to remove life-threatening health or safety conditions, as well as addressing code violations. You also must meet the required criteria and have all the necessary documents to apply for these funds. A grant to renovate your house is not available to anyone and for any purpose. There must be a solid foundation for requesting these funds. Very low and low-income homeowners, low-income families with children, single parents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds. 

You can also apply for disaster relief grants to repair or rebuild your property if your house is damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. If your home was damaged by Hurricane Florence or Hurricane Matthew, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency or NReBuild NC may be able to help. The Homeowner Recovery Program provides assistance to repair, reconstruct, replace or elevate your home or reimburse you for completed repairs. Use the following application to start your process: https://rebuildnc.tfaforms.net/4815414.

For convenience, search and apply for North Carolina home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Greensboro https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/homeownership/homerepairs.

Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over North Carolina that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials.  https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NC. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, NC 211 is also a great place to start. https://nc211.org/.

Can I get a grant to repair my roof?

Repairing or replacing your roof is an expensive cost, but leaking and damaged roofs can present a hazard for you and your family. What may seem like a simple leak could wind up costing you thousands of dollars in repair costs. All roofs eventually break down and need replacement, no matter the type of material or how well they were maintained. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial replacement and repair. As a state, North Carolina offers one of the highest levels of support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. North Carolina home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with roofs. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

If you are living in a rural area in North Carolina and anywhere in the US, getting help for home improvement projects including roof repair and replacement is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. 

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Almost all counties and major cities in the state of North Carolina offer home improvement grants and zero-interest or deferred payment loans. Damaged roofs are considered an emergency threat to household members and may be covered by the Urgent Repair Program, financed by the North Carolina Finance Agency. Orange County also operates an Urgent Repair Program, as well as a Single Family Rehabilitation Program. Wake County low-income homeowners may use funds from the Emergency Grant Program if their household income is at or below 40% of the area median income. Roof repair or replacement may also be completely or partially covered with funds from the Limited Repair Program, operated by the City of Raleigh. The City of Greensboro also offers a Citywide Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program and offers rehabilitation loans to its low-income residents, both deferred and repayable at zero and three percent interest. 

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your roof repair or roof replacement project, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements.

How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?

There are several places you can find available federal home improvement grants. The United States government has 26 agencies in charge of making grants. In addition to federal grants, some states have grant programs. Locate and contact your local government office. Government representatives, there will be able to advise you about eligibility requirements and other necessary criteria for applying for a grant. To search or apply for grants, you can also use the free, official website, Grants.gov. First, you have to register an account on this site. Then, you can search their site for their available grants and submit an application.  

Besides meeting the required criteria and applying within the deadline, it is very important to have ALL the necessary documents. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD provides all kinds of housing support and helps communities. If you live in a rural area, then you might be interested in The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program – Section 504. Applicants interested in applying for a repair loan or grant can contact their local Rural Development office and provide the following documentation:

The applications are accepted year-round and their approval time depends on funding availability in your area. 

How does HUD mortgage assistance work?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing grants to low-income families. These grants help families pay for rent, purchase or even rehabilitate a home. HUD also allocates grant funds to local governments and nonprofit agencies so they can develop their affordable housing program in their communities. HUD-approved counseling agencies are available in every state to help you find a housing grant in an area near you.

The approved housing agencies in North Carolina can be found at their site:  

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=NC

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also funds an Emergency Homeowners Loan Program or EHLP, that provides mortgage help and loans to those homeowners who may be facing foreclosure due to a drop in household income from a job loss, underemployment, or reduction in working hours, involuntary unemployment, or a medical condition or emergency. 

To qualify for this program you must fit certain criteria such as:

  • You must be at least three months behind on their monthly mortgage payment,
  • The home involved must be your primary residence,
  • You must have demonstrated a timely payment record on their mortgage prior to the job loss or medical condition or event that produced the reduction of income for the homeowner.

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of the impacts of COVID-19, you might get help from the Special COVID-19 mortgage relief for homeowners with FHA-insured single-family mortgages. Your mortgage servicer is required to offer you a mortgage payment forbearance, which allows you to reduce or pause making payments for a period of six months, with the option to extend for an additional six months if needed. You must request a COVID-19 Forbearance from your mortgage servicer by June 30, 2021, and no extra fees, penalties,, or interest will be added to your account. If you are able to resume making your payments, FHA’s COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim takes your past due amounts and puts them in a subordinate lien to be repaid later. You will only repay this lien when your mortgage ends, which, for most borrowers, is when you sell your home or refinance your mortgage.

Is the mortgage relief program legit?

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program and Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance or FMERR are the only active relief programs today. They provide mortgage incentives by replacing your existing loan with a new loan that has a lower interest rate and more affordable payments.

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program can be used only by homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Fannie Mae. This program allows homeowners to refinance with no equity or an underwater loan. If your home has lost value since you bought it and you don’t have enough equity to do regular refinance, then this is a great option. You can’t apply to this program if you previously used the Home Affordable Refinance Program or HARP, which was a similar project by Fannie Mae that expired.

Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program can be used for existing fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. This program is intended to refinance into a more sustainable mortgage that promotes long-term homeownership success, to reduce the monthly principal and interest payment of your first Lien Mortgage, as well as if you are interested in potentially reducing principal and interest payment. Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program is only available to homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Freddie Mac.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemics, there is also a Covid-19 Mortgage Relief Program. The COVID hardship forbearance applies to all federally backed and federally sponsored mortgages, which includes HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage loans. The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) directed lenders holding federally-backed mortgages to suspend borrowers’ payments for up to a maximum of 360 days if they had experienced financial hardship due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Landlords of multi-family property mortgages can also receive relief. The CARES Act allows a 30-day forbearance for multi-family mortgages, and up to two 30-day extensions. You can apply for forbearance through Sept. 30, 2021, and will not be charged late fees or reported to credit bureaus. 

Is there a grant for rewiring a house?

A home electrical wiring is an expensive project and you may be eligible for a grant to partially or completely cover the cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for rewiring your house. Some of these funds can only be used in electrical system repairs and upgrades, others include a new rewiring of your home. North Carolina home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with the electrical system. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

As a state, North Carolina offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Orange County residents may get financial aid through the Urgent Repair Program and get up to $10,000.00. They can use these funds in repairing their electrical systems, or installing new a one. Updating your electrical system can also be financed by the Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Program, operated by Wilson County. An Emergency Grant Program is also available in Wake County and provides funds for addressing electrical hazards.

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your electrical system upgrade, repair, or replacement, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

While most Emergency Rental Assistance Programs are targeted towards renters, there are programs in almost every community that could help with mortgage and/or utility payments. Services such as https://nc211.org/ are a great place to find Emergency Mortgage Assistance Programs available to North Carolinians affected by Covid-19. 

There is an Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program that provides assistance with mortgage payments to qualified, low-income tribal members experiencing short-term, financial hardship. Applicants must be enrolled members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Applicants must reside in the tribal service area of Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland Counties. For any information on this program, as well as eligibility and documents requirements contact memanuel@lumbeetribe.com.

Residents of Greensboro and High Point, for example, may use their Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and get financial aid if they are behind on their payments as a result of the pandemics. These programs are available only to Greensboro and High Point residents affected by Covid-19 with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. They provide up to $1,500.00 in mortgage assistance, paid directly to your lender, for one to three consecutive months. If you received emergency mortgage assistance from another Federal program due to COVID-19 then you are not eligible for this program.

Struggling homeowners may also receive financial assistance through modifications, mortgage payment assistance and transition assistance programs. This assistance can be provided by the Hardest Hit Fund, available in 18 states, including North Carolina. 

What is a request for mortgage assistance?

A Request for Mortgage Assistance or RMA is the application you have to fill out to be considered for a mortgage loan modification. With a mortgage modification, you can permanently change one or more terms of your mortgage loan. This includes getting a lower interest rate, some or all late fees and charges may be waived or reduced, your interest rate may be changed from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed rate, the months or years the homeowner has to repay the loan may be lengthened, total loan principal may be reduced, as well as your second mortgage or equity loan could be waived.

https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/docs/hamp_borrower/rma_english_sd1110.pdf

This form requires detailed information about the borrower’s current financial situation. The information provided will allow the mortgage lender to determine the filer’s eligibility for mortgage assistance. This form includes your current income, debts, expenses, employment, bankruptcies, and other issues that will help the lender determine if you are eligible for mortgage assistance.

In the USA, modifications were made under the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP.  

To qualify for this program you must have fit certain criteria such as:

  • You are having trouble making your mortgage payments because of financial hardship,
  • You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009,
  • Your property has not been condemned,
  • You owe up to $728,750.00 on your primary residence or one to four-unit rental property.

Who can get a home improvement grant?

Low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, single parents, disabled people, people impacted by Covid 19, as well as people impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods can get home improvement grants or zero-interest loans. You can apply to these federal, state, or local grants and loans, charities, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations and get the help you need. A big part of the eligibility to these programs is the household income. Assistance will usually be provided to families or individuals who are living in occupied single-family homes, or mobile homes and whose combined total household annual income does not exceed certain income thresholds. Every program has different criteria and provides different amounts of funding.

These grant programs are primarily directed at very low and low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location, and the projects the money can be used on. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process. 

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