One year after being rejected for a Community Development Block Grant, the Town of Smithfield has reapplied for funding.
In 2018, the Town attempted unsuccessfully to obtain a $750,000 grant for housing rehabilitation in low to moderate income areas, primarily in Belmont and East Smithfield. After waiting several months, the Town learned they did not receive the funding from the State’s Small Cities CDBG program administered by the NC Department of Commerce and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Last week, the Town Council agreed to reapply for the same grant to assist low income owner-occupants with housing repairs and renovations. To qualify, a home must not meet current building codes. Repairs could be plumbing, electrical, structural, roofing, flooring, or HVAC.
For example, if a home needed less than $12,000 in repairs, the homeowner would agree to a 5 year loan with 20% of the loan being forgiven each year, until the loan is forgiven after 5 years. Amounts larger than that could require a 7 year period.
Town Manager Mike Scott said the goal is to receive the initial grant and then continue to apply and receive additional rehabilitation grants in future years to expand to other areas of Smithfield.
The deadline to apply for the latest grant in July 16, 2019.
If awarded, the Town will work with Johnston, Lee, Harnett Community Action to determine housing that would qualify.
