RALEIGH, NC - For many people, owning a home is a source of pride and a foundation for putting down roots in a community. At the same time homeownership comes with the ongoing cost of keeping that home safe and in good condition. When a roof starts leaking, an HVAC system fails or major electrical or plumbing repairs are needed, the cost can quickly become more than a family can afford.
When those repairs go unaddressed, they can threaten both the safety of the home and a family’s ability to remain safely housed. In partnership with the nonprofit Preserving Home, Wake County is launching Resilient Homes, a new program that will provide income-qualified residents with financial assistance for needed repairs, including up to $35,000 in grant funding from the County. Online applications are now open.
The program is part of Wake County’s Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization Department’s work to create and preserve affordable housing. By helping residents address costly repairs, the County can help preserve existing affordable housing while giving people the opportunity to continue living safely in the communities they call home.
Resilient Homes will streamline the County’s home repair efforts into a single program while increasing the amount of assistance available per household, allowing resources to have a greater impact for homeowners. The program is designed to address a range of needs, including weatherization, mobility and accessibility improvements, radon and lead-based paint hazards, and repairs to unsafe or outdated home systems.
Repairs may address issues such as faulty wiring, plumbing problems, failing heating and cooling systems, unsafe stairs, roof problems and other conditions that can affect a home’s safety and livability.
To qualify, homeowners must:
- Have a household income below 50% of the Area Median Income. For example, the current limit is $52,950 for a household of two and $66,150 for a household of four.
- Have less than $25,000 in assets, excluding the home.
- Own a home on a permanent foundation in Wake County, excluding Raleigh and Cary city limits.
- Be current on property tax payments.
