Funding Options
for Repairs and Mitigation
Federal, state, and philanthropic programs that can help cover the costs of home repairs or upgrades to reduce risk. Most are in the form of grants, and eligibility varies. This page highlights a few common ones that may be eligible to Down East residents.
For Homeowners
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What does it cover? Repairs to homes damaged by disasters in 2022 (Presidential Disaster Declaration 3586, declared October 1, 2022, includes Carteret County).
Who is eligible? Ver-low and low-income homeowners
How much is available? The maximum award is $44,000.
What is the deadline to apply? Grants are available year-round until funds run out.
Who administers this grant? The US Department of Agriculture
Where can I learn more? www.rd.usda.gov
How do I apply? Contact the local NC Rural Development Area Office in Kinston:
Director: Aaron Gaskins
Phone: 252-526-9799
Email: aaron.gaskins@usda.gov
Address: 2044-C Hwy 11/55 South, PO Box 6180, Kinston, NC 28501-0189
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What does it cover? Repairs to homes damaged by Presidentially declared disasters that occurred on or after July 18, 2022.
Who is eligible? Homeowners 62 years of age or older at the time of application, with a household income below the county’s very low threshold
How much is available? The maximum loan amount is $40,000 (20 year loan term at 1 percent fixed interest). The maximum grant amount is $15,000. Loans and grants can be combined for up to $55,000 in assistance.
What is the deadline to apply? Applications are accepted year round through the local Rural Development office.
Who administers this grant? The US Department of Agriculture
Where can I learn more ? www.rd.usda.gov
How do I apply? Contact the local NC Rural Development Area Office in Kinston:
Director: Aaron Gaskins
Phone: 252-526-9799
Email: aaron.gaskins@usda.gov
Address: 2044-C Hwy 11/55 South, PO Box 6180, Kinston, NC 28501-0189
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What does it cover? Installing a new, or making repairs to an existing, well or septic system.
Who is eligible? The person applying for a loan must own and occupy the property, the property must be located in a rural area, and the maximum income can not exceed $87,000.
How much is available? Loans of up to $15,000 for installation of a new well or septic system (standard or alternative) or repair of an existing well or septic System.
What is the deadline to apply? Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Who administers this program? The Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP), a Certified Community Development Financial Institution
Where can I learn more? sercap.org
How do I apply? Contact SERCAP’s Loan Fund by email at loanfund@sercap.org or by phone at 540-345-1184.
For Homeowners, Renters, & Businesses
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What does it cover?
Physical damage: Repairs and replacement of physical assets damaged in a declared disaster.
Mitigation assistance: improvements to eliminate future damage.
Economic injury: small business operating expenses after a declared disaster.
Who is eligible? Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area. Additional eligibility requirements may apply based on loan type.
How much is available? Amounts depend on the loan type.
What is the deadline to apply? Deadlines vary based on the disaster and loan type.
Who administers this program? The Small Business Administration
Where can I learn more and apply? Apply online at www.sba.gov
For Individuals and Households
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What does it cover? Basic needs and recovery following a federally declared disaster, including temporary housing, home repairs, hazard mitigation assistance, or coverage for other essential needs not met by insurance.
Who is eligible? Assistance through FEMA is only available for disasters that receive a presidential disaster declaration. Additional recipient requirements may apply. Visit FEMA’s website to check your availability.
How much is available? Amounts vary based on the disaster and assistance request.
What is the deadline to apply? Deadlines vary based on the disaster. It is best to apply as soon as possible.
Who administers this program? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Where can I learn more and apply? Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by phone at 800-621-3362
Additional post-disaster funding programs for repairs and recovery are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
North Carolina Resilience Exchange
The North Carolina Resilience Exchange is a state-supported hub for resilience-related resources, from data to planning tools to a searchable database of funding opportunities. Local governments can also find support for grant writing and connect with experts on topics ranging from flooding to community planning.
To stay informed, users can subscribe to the Spotlight on Resilience newsletter, which provides updates on new funding opportunities, local initiatives across the state, and other relevant resources.