Morven is seeking a Community Development Block Grant.
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MORVEN — Morven is applying for a Community Development Block Grant to repair owner-occupied homes within the city limits for the health and safety of residents aged 62 and above. Repairs covered in the grant include water, sewer, roofing, electricity, heating, and cooling. The grant is very competitive as only seven to ten towns will be awarded.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s max for this grant is $10 million total, and the receiving entities would not have to provide any matching funds if awarded. Repair costs will be provided in note deeds of trust which are forgivable loans with low interest and no repayment. James Luster from Centralina suggested the town apply for the maximum grant amount of $750,000. Centralina is also waiving the application fee to help with the application process.
Towns with the lowest income — meaning those in which 80% of the county is of low and moderate income) — will likely be awarded first. If the town is awarded the funds, residents applying for assistance will need to provide proof of income, photos of their house and of the needed repairs.
Mobile homes do not qualify. Modular homes will be accepted if they have a deed. All homes must be within the city limits and occupied by the owner. No rental properties will be accepted.
“The way the people are selected is based on a point system that is generated by entering in everything that the application requires,” said Councilwoman Corinthia Lewis-Lemon. “Once the information is entered in, the Housing Selection Committee looks at it and votes on the recommendation of the report.”
The committee will be between 3-5 members. The second public hearing was held on Sept. 28, and the committee will now begin meeting.
Luster began meeting with residents on Sept. 8 to gain interest. For those interested, contact the Morven town council at 704-851-9321 or townofmorven@windstream.net.
The grant application deadline for the town is October 14, 2021.
