Mecklenburg County grant helps homeowners get relief

CHARLOTTE — There is a grant program in Mecklenburg County that could help qualified homeowners who need help.

“The program sets aside a grant to cover up to 25% of the last tax bill for Mecklenburg County residents, up to $340,” said Carlo Battle, Mecklenburg County community resource manager.

People can qualify if they have lived in their home for at least three years, have no more than on delinquent tax bill and meet income limits at 80% of area-median income.

[WSOC Special Section: Affordable Housing Crisis]

For example, a family of four would get $67,350.

A homeowner in the University area said that she had gotten help from the HOMES Program two years in a row.

Coretta Turpin said her hours at work were cut because of COVID-19.

“This was a big help to me, yes!” she said. “Go ahead, go for it. You have nothing to lose. All they can say is, ‘No,’” Turpin told Channel 9.

HOMES Program applications are due Oct. 31.

Mecklenburg County news release:

“Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with rising costs of living and the impact of COVID-19 have an ally in the HOMES program.

But, the deadline to apply for help is fast approaching. HOMES (Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support) offers qualifying Mecklenburg County residents an economic assistance grant up to $340 that helps reduce the cost of annual homeownership.

There is no age requirement to participate in the program, and the home does not have to be paid off. Mecklenburg County homeowners who are eligible for a HOMES grant have lived in their home for at least the last three years, have no more than one delinquent tax bill in the last three years and meet a qualifying total household income level.

Please visit www.MeckNC.gov/4HOMES for a full list of eligibility requirements.

Created by Mecklenburg County, the HOMES program seeks to make a difference for local homeowners by balancing general cost-of-living increases with support for homeownership, the most significant financial investment for many County residents.

It is one of many support programs that Mecklenburg County provides that continues to be especially helpful as the cost of living increases and COVID-19 continues to impact families in our community.

“The HOMES program still has funds available for qualified homeowners,” said Yulonda Griffin, Department of Community Resources Director. “We want to see as many people as possible get the help they need.”

New applicants and previous grant recipients are encouraged to complete and submit the easy, one-page application online or by mail.

Applications and verifications MUST be submitted and postmarked by October 31, 2021. Please visit www.MeckNC.gov/4HOMES to confirm eligibility and to download an application in English or Spanish.

Downloaded applications may be submitted online or printed for mailing. Paper applications may be picked up at the Department of Community Resources or the County Assessor’s Office, both at 3205 Freedom Drive, or requested by phone at (980) 314-HOME(4663). All printed/paper applications must be mailed (postmarked by October 31) to the Department of Community Resources, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208.

For more information on the HOMES program, please visit www.MeckNC.gov/4HOMES; email 4Homes@mecknc.gov ; or call (980) 314-HOME (4663).”

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