More than $2.5 Million Awarded to Residents Through HOMES Program

A father and mother holding a baby while smiling.

Homeowners have until Nov. 22 to apply for economic assistance grants 

The Helping Out Mecklenburg homeowners with Economic Support program (HOMES) has awarded more than $2.5 million in grant funding to homeowners since the program opened for this year on July 1–and there is still time for qualifying homeowners to apply. 

The HOMES program has received more than 5,500 applications in that time, a 63% increase in the amount it received during the same period in 2023. More than 3,000 applications have been approved this year, with the average County award coming out to $520. 

HOMES provides economic assistance grants of up to $648 to qualifying Mecklenburg County residential homeowners. Residents within Charlotte city limits may receive additional grant funding up to $367 and qualifying residents in the Town of Davidson could get an additional grant up to $566.  

There is no age requirement, the home does not have to be paid off, and applicants whose mortgage company pays their taxes (escrow) may still be eligible for the program. Mecklenburg County homeowners who may qualify for a HOMES grant are those who have lived in their home for at least the last three years, meet a qualifying total household income level, and have no more than one delinquent tax bill in the last three years.   
 
Apply:  

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. New applicants and previous grant recipients are encouraged to complete and submit the easy, one-page application online, by email, or by mail. The application can be found at MeckNC.gov/4HOMES.

Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected]. Additionally, applicants may drop off their applications and verifications at: 

Paper applications can be mailed to Department of Community Resources, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, N.C. 28208. 

All applications and verifications must be submitted and postmarked by Nov. 22, 2024.   

“Mecklenburg County residents struggling with rising costs have an ally in the HOMES program,” said Shakirah Francis, community services manager with Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Resources. “If you are having trouble keeping your home, know that help is here. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply.”