Frequently Asked Questions

WARM serves homeowners who live in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties in Southeastern North Carolina.

However, we invite volunteers from anywhere. You can even stay at the beach. To find out more about our VolunTourist program, click here.

According to Housing and Urban Development, housing is substandard if it:

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• Does not provide safe and adequate shelter.

• Endangers the health, safety or well being of a family in its present condition.

• Has one or more critical defects OR has a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient --Number to require considerable 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 electrical service.

• Does not have safe or adequate source of heat.

• Should, but does not, have a kitchen.

• Has been declared unfit for the habitation by an agency or unit of government.

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

WARM focuses on safety and health-related repairs and accessibility upgrades. WARM does not complete remodeling or beautification projects. Typical repairs include:

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• Roof repair

• Ceiling and sheetrock repair

• Floors/subflooring repair

• Carpentry

• Plumbing repairs for kitchen and bathroom

• Electrical repairs

• Window/door repair and replacement

• Wheelchair ramp construction and repair

• Installation of water heaters and other appliances

WARM has 4 basic requirements:

• Applicant must own and occupy the home in need of repairs

• Home must be located in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, or Pender county

• Total household income must fall at or below 50% of their county's median income.

• Repairs requested must address threats to safety or health

WARM serves homeowners in need. In most cases, the applicants have always lived on meager wages but have managed their money well enough to purchase a home. We believe that helping them stay in the home is best for them and for the community at large.

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 is often the only source of assistance for these vulnerable people.

WARM NC was created by a group of concerned United Methodists to help combat the devastation caused by Hurricanes Bertha and Fran in 1996. Today, WARM NC is an independent 501(c)(3) organization supported by numerous churches, businesses, grants, municipalities, and individuals.

Building materials and other project costs are covered by grants, generous donations from local individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and government programs, including the Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Program (ESFR) and the Urgent Repair Program (URP).

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? You can help WARM in a variety of ways:

• Refer a homeowner in need. The first step is for them to call our office at 910.399.7563

• Volunteer on a rebuild, in the office, or in the community

• Make a donation to help those in need

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