Wake County launched a new economic assistance program offering up to $35,000 in grants for homeowners low-income individuals who need to make essential repairs to their homes.
The initiative, called Resilient Homes (Resilient Homes), is developed in collaboration with the non-profit organization Preserving Home and seeks to help families keep their homes in safe and habitable conditions.
The program includes repairs to roofs, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, as well as accessibility improvements and other interventions necessary to ensure the safety of residents.
“People work hard to buy a house "and build a life there," said Tara Waters, a member of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, in a press release.
“Resilient Homes recognizes that investment and can help ensure that a costly repair doesn’t become an obstacle to maintaining it,” he noted.
What repairs does the program cover?
The initiative is designed to address problems that may affect the safety, living conditions, and permanence of families in their homes.
The repairs and improvements planned include:
- Ceilings: Repair of leaks, drips and other damage.
- Electricity: repair of faulty or dangerous electrical installations.
- Plumbing: troubleshooting pipe problems and water systems.
- Heating and air conditioning: repair of air conditioning systems that are not working properly.
- Accessibility: modifications to facilitate the mobility of people with disabilities or difficulties in moving around.
- Safety: repair of unsafe stairs and other elements that pose risks.
- Environmental protection: improvements in energy efficiency and measures to reduce the risks associated with radon and lead-based paint.
Who can apply for up to $35,000?
To access the Resilient Homes program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
- Household income below 50% of the area median income (AMI). According to the limits reported by the county, this equates to $52,950 for a two-person household and $66,150 for a four-person household.
- Assets and property: have less than $25,000 in assets, not including the value of the home.
- Property Location: Owning a home located on a permanent foundation in Wake County, excluding properties within the city limits of Raleigh and Cary.
- Taxes: be up to date with your payments property taxes.
Applications with ITIN and assistance in Spanish
In addition to the eligibility requirements, Wake County's Resilient Homes program officials shared the following clarifications in response to questions from Enlace Latino NC.
1. Immigration status
The program does not establish specific requirements, and the owners with a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders may submit an application, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
The assistance combines federal and county funds, and federal requirements are changing.
As part of the process, they plan to request documentation such as the Social Security card, permanent resident card, or naturalization application, as appropriate.
However, at the moment there are no specific requirements regarding the immigration status of applicants.
2. Non-refundable assistance
The assistance of up to $35,000 is provided as a grant that does not need to be repaid.
The beneficiaries must sign a non-binding document stating that they plan to remain in their home for a minimum number of years.
3. Application process and deadlines
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and, as planned by those in charge, the application period will remain open continuously.
4. Applications in Spanish
Currently, the Resilient Homes application is only available in English.
Those needing assistance in Spanish or another language can write to housing.rehab@wake.gov to request translation services.
Options to offer the application in other languages are also being explored.
Can residents of Raleigh and Cary apply for assistance?
No. According to the requirements announced by the county, homes located within the city limits of Raleigh and Cary are excluded from the program.
However, homeowners located in other areas of Wake County may be eligible, provided they meet the established economic and property requirements.
You may be interested: Durham businesses can apply for loans of up to $75,000
A program to preserve affordable housing
Resilient Homes is part of the Wake County Department of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization's efforts to create and preserve affordable housing.
According to the county, when families cannot afford costly repairs, problems can worsen and jeopardize both the safety of the home and the ability to continue living there.
The new program unifies the county's home repair initiatives into a single system and increases the amount of assistance available per household.
With this measure, the authorities seek to preserve the affordable housing existing ones and help homeowners remain safely in their communities.
How to apply to Resilient Homes?
Owners interested in the program Resilient Homes You can check the requirements and submit your application on the website.
The assistance is aimed at homeowners who meet the income, asset, home location and tax payment criteria established by the program.
Preserving Home Home Repair Request
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