What is WARM, Inc.’s Mission?
Mission Statement: WARM unites people of compassion to rebuild homes and restore hope for our low-income neighbors, many of whom are elderly or disabled, and enables them to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities
WARM serves Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties.
What is Substandard Housing?
According to HUD, housing is substandard if it:
- is dilapidated. A housing unit is dilapidated if it:
- does not provide safe and adequate shelter AND meets the criteria oin either paragraphs 2, 3 or 4
- endangers the health, safety or well being of a family in its present condition
- has one or more crtical defects; OR
- has a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient number or extent to require considerable repair or rebuilding. (The defects may involve original construction, or they may result from continued neglect or lack of repair or rebuilding).
- does not have operable indoor plumbing;
- does not have a usable flush toilet, bathtub or shower inside the unit for the exclusive use of a family;
- does not have electricity or has inadequate or unsafe elctrical service;
- does not have safe or adequate source of heat;
- should, but does not, have a kitchen;
- OR, has been declared unfit for the habitation by an agency or unit of government.
What is the potential impact of substandard housing?
Substandard housing compromises the health, safety and well being of the residing family. As these citizens function in the community, their condition creates a ripple effect on the schools they attend, area businesses where they work and shop, the property values of their neighbors, and the well-being of the entire community.
When residents are forced to move out because their homes are uninhabitable, they usually move into a group home facility, increasing the burden on the taxpayer and the community’s infrastructure.
Specifically, substandard housing can impact the resident in the following ways:
- Illness and disease
- Fires and burns
- Falls and other injuries
- Neurobehavioral conditions in children
- Rodent bites
- Indoor intoxicants
- Employment: absenteeism due to health problems, job loss
- Education: absenteeism due to health problems, lower performance
- Higher criminal activity due to desperation
- Increased healthcare costs
- Poor nutrition and hygiene
- Depression, poor mental health
In North Carolina at least:
- 1 out of 5 homes is considered substandard.
- 13,000 households do not have indoor plumbing.
- 9,000 households do not have heat.
- $95 million is spent on healthcare for children living in substandard housing.
What services does WARM, Inc. provide?
WARM, Inc. spends an average of $3,500-$4,000 per home. Typical repairs include:
- Roof repair
- Ceiling and sheetrock repair
- Floors/subflooring repairs
- Debris clean-up and yard work
- Lighting installation
- Carpentry
- Plumbing repairs for kitchen and bathroom
- Electrical repairs
- Window/door repair and replacement
- Wheelchair ramp construction and repair
- Weatherization and insulation installation
- Painting
- Security
- Installation of water heaters and other appliances
Who is eligible for WARM, Inc.’s services?
WARM, Inc. has only 3 requirements for the homeowner. They must:
- Reside in Brunswick, New Hanover, or Pender County.
- Own and occupy the home in need of repairs.
- Fall at or below 50% of their county’s median income.
However, meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval of the project. Our personnel will determine if the project falls within the scope of WARM, Inc.’s mission and capabilities. Due to limited resources, we cannot help everyone who is eligible. Highest priority will be given to those with the greatest need.
Over 80% of WARM, Inc. homeowners are widows. Over 30% are disabled. These individuals are our neighbors. Their ability to pay for home repairs continues to diminish as the cost of health care, medication, transportation, utilities, homeowners insurance, property taxes and food continue to rise rapidly. WARM, Inc. is often the only source of assistance for these vulnerable people.
How are WARM, Inc. services provided? Is it a government agency or is it part of a church?
WARM, Inc. was created by a group of concerned United Methodists to help combat devastation caused by Hurricanes Bertha and Fran in 1996. Today WARM, Inc. is an independent 501(c)3 organization supported by many churches, businesses, grants, municipalities and individuals.
Building materials and other project costs are paid for by grants and generous donations from local individuals, businesses, churches, and civic organizations.
To complete the repair work, WARM, Inc. relies on groups of dedicated and passionate volunteers who come from a variety of backgrounds. WARM, Inc. volunteers work in many different ways including but not limited to: construction assistance, volunteer coordination, clerical assistance, meal preparation for work teams, and event planning. If you have an interest in volunteering with WARM, Inc., please contact us at info@warmnc.org, call 910.399.7563 or click here to read more.
How can you help support WARM, Inc.'s mission?
Wouldn’t you want your mother or grandmother, or any family member to have a safe, secure and healthy home where they can be comfortable and independent? Individuals who are helped by WARM, Inc. become healthier and are more confident and therefore more productive homeowners and contributors of their communities. WARM, Inc.’s work helps to improve property value, diminish crime, beautify communities, reduce tax burden and most importantly allow individuals and families to remain in the place they want to be the most- at home!
You can help WARM, Inc. in a variety of ways:
- Refer a homeowner
- Volunteer on a project, in the office, or in the community
- Help us raise funds so that we can continue to help those in need
To read more about our volunteer programs, click here
WARM, Inc. provides a unique, unduplicated service for our neighbors with nowhere else to turn. Please consider giving today. Your contribution toward the average WARM, Inc. cost of $3,500-$4,000 per home will be multiplied by in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor and donated materials.
You can make a tax deductible donation here
or you can mail a check to:
WARM, Inc.
20 North 4th Street, Suite 213
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.399.7563