Program For Struggling Homeowners Now Accepting Applications

MECKLENBURG, NC — Mecklenburg County is now accepting applications from low and moderate income homeowners in need of financial help paying property taxes.

The grant program, called Helping Out Mecklenburg's Homeowners With Economic Support (HOMES), is a public assistance program to help qualified homeowners by paying grants directly to the county tax collector. The amount granted to qualified homeowners is 25 percent of the Mecklenburg County tax bill, rounded to the nearest dollar and up to $340, the county said.

“We want to help as many homeowners as we can,” Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources Director Yulonda Griffin said. “Please apply.”

The HOMES program was launched last year following a 2019 countywide revaluation significantly raising property tax bills, particularly in older, established neighborhoods near Uptown Charlotte.

"While there are many benefits to a robust real estate market, one downside is that affordable housing becomes scarce and the rising costs to retain residences can outpace income growth," the county said at the time. "This grant program is designed to assist qualified residential homeowners to retain their homes by reducing the financial burden resulting from rising values."

“The gentrification on my street is shocking,” county resident, Sherry Miller, said, according to county officials. “I’m glad to have it (grant money).”

Requirements of homeowners seeking a grant include:

• Living in Mecklenburg County
• Owning a residential property or living in a property with a qualifying life estate
• A history of living in this primary residence for at least three years
• A total household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The household income for a family of four, for example, is limited to $67,350.

How To Apply

• The HOMES program application may be found here.
• A paper application may be found and printed from here
• More information, or requests for an application may be made by calling 980-314-4HOME (4663)
• Applications may be picked up from the Department of Community Resources at 3205 Freedom Drive Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28205, or County Assessor's Office located at 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte NC 28208.

Applications for the program must be received by Sunday, Oct. 31. More information about applying for the grant program may be found here.