Guide to Roof Repair Grants in North Carolina

Roof repairs can be a significant financial burden, especially for low-income homeowners. In North Carolina, several state and federal programs offer assistance to help eligible residents maintain safe and habitable homes.

Sydney Blunt

• 3 min read
Guide to Roof Repair Grants in North Carolina
Photo by Moralis Tsai / Unsplash
a man working on a roof with a power drill
Photo by Raze Solar / Unsplash

🏠 1. Urgent Repair Program (URP)

Administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA), the URP provides emergency home repairs for low-income homeowners who are elderly, have special needs, or are veterans. The program addresses critical issues such as leaking roofs, unsafe heating systems, and accessibility modifications.

Assistance Offered: Deferred, forgiven loans up to $15,000 (as of the 2025–2026 funding cycle).

Eligibility:

    • Household income ≤ 50% of the area median income.
    • Homeownership status and primary residence.
    • Presence of special needs individuals (e.g., elderly, disabled, or children under 6 with elevated blood-lead levels).

Application Process: Applications are submitted through local government or nonprofit partners.

Contact: For assistance, homeowners can contact Gloria Moore at 919-981-2623 or via email at [email].

🏚️ 2. Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program (Post-Hurricane Helene)

The Renew NC program, funded through a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), assists homeowners in western North Carolina whose properties were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

  • Assistance Offered: Home rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, or reimbursement.
  • Eligibility:
    • Homeownership at the time of Hurricane Helene (September 27, 2024).
    • Primary residence status.
    • Residence in one of the 28 affected counties or ZIP code 28214 in Mecklenburg County.
  • Application Process: Applications are open to eligible homeowners.
  • Contact: For more information, visit the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program page: (commercerecovery.nc.gov)

🧰 3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the WAP helps low-income residents improve energy efficiency and safety in their homes, which may include roof repairs as part of the weatherization process.

  • Assistance Offered: Energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and HVAC repairs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Low-income households, with priority given to the elderly, disabled, families with children, high energy users, and those experiencing energy burdens.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through local service providers.
  • Contact: For more information, visit the DEQ's Weatherization Assistance Program page: (deq.nc.gov)

🏘️ 4. Community Housing Grants (CDBG)

The North Carolina Department of Commerce administers the Community Housing Grants program, which utilizes federal CDBG funds to support housing development and rehabilitation in communities statewide.

  • Assistance Offered: Rehabilitation, acquisition, clearance, relocation, substantial rehabilitation, replacement housing, and emergency repairs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Non-entitlement municipalities and counties, excluding certain urban areas.
  • Application Process: Local governments apply for funding on behalf of their communities.
  • Contact: For more information, visit the Community Housing Grants page: (NC Commerce)

🛠️ 5. Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program (ESFR)

Also administered by the NCHFA, the ESFR provides funding for comprehensive home repairs, including roof replacements, to low-income homeowners.

  • Assistance Offered: Comprehensive rehabilitation, including roof repairs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Low-income homeowners.
    • Homes in need of substantial rehabilitation.
  • Application Process: Applications are submitted through local government or nonprofit partners.
  • Contact: For more information, visit the NCHFA's Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program page: (nchfa.com)

📌 Tips for Homeowners

  • Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as proof of income, homeownership, and identification.
  • Local Agencies: Contact local government offices or nonprofit organizations for guidance on the application process.
  • Eligibility: Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each program.
  • Deadlines: Be aware of application deadlines and funding cycles.

📞 Contact Information

  • NCHFA: 919-877-5700
  • Renew NC: 888-791-0207
  • DEQ: 919-707-8600
  • NC Department of Commerce: 919-814-4600