The HOMES Program is Helping Mecklenburg County Homeowners Deadline Extended Through Dec. 15

Multiethnic family standing at the porch during covid19 lockdown

Applications for the HOMES Program have been coming in and so far, thousands have benefitted from the support.  The program provides economic assistance grants of up to $660 for qualifying homeowners.

Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with rising costs of living have an ally in the HOMES program. HOMES, or Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support, is a County created seasonal program designed to help Mecklenburg County residents reduce the cost of annual homeownership. This year, the Board of County Commissioners increased funding for the HOMES program to reach more households and partnered with the City of Charlotte. The program season is open now through Dec. 15.   

“We are thrilled grant recipients have received over a million dollars in funding, but we have more to give.  We are extending the deadline to give more people time to apply,” said Deputy County Manager Anthony Trotman.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. There is no age requirement to participate in the HOMES program, and the home does not have to be paid off! 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 and it is their primary residence, have no more than one delinquent tax bill in the last three years and meet a qualifying total household income level. Please see mecknc.gov/4HOMES for more details and other program considerations.  

A grant recipient from North Charlotte said, “I would like to let you know how the HOMES program helped me. I thought I wouldn’t qualify. Seems like my taxes go up every year and to know that the HOMES program is available, I was so excited to be approved. I let everyone know about the program because some are not aware. I shared with my family, church, and my neighbors. I definitely am very appreciative and grateful.”

Mecklenburg County homeowners can apply to receive benefits from the HOMES program. New applicants and previous grant recipients are encouraged to complete and submit the easy, one-page application online, by email or mail. Please visit mecknc.gov/4HOMES for the application and details. The application period runs from July 1, 2023, to Dec. 15, 2023. Applications and verifications must be submitted and postmarked by Dec. 15, 2023. Applicants may pick up paper applications at the Department of Community Resources or the County Assessor’s Office, both at 3205 Freedom Drive in Charlotte, or request by phone at 980-314-HOME (4663). Or pick up applications at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road in northeast Charlotte.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Charlotte this year to provide additional assistance to residents,” said Denise Syles-Ballard, an Assistant Division Director with the Department of Community Resources. “We have more funding to share and encourage people to apply.”

For more information on the HOMES program, please visit mecknc.gov/4HOMES; email [email protected]; or call 980-314-HOME (4663).