FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2022
Media Contact:
Suzanne Jalot
(910) 399-7563 x115
suzannejalot@warmnc.org
WARM OUTGROWS CURRENT OFFICE SPACE, WILL TEMPORARILY RELOCATE TO THE SODA POP DISTRICT
WILMINGTON, NC – As WARM continues to serve more homeowners, it has outgrown its current office space. While WARM searches for a new permanent home, the organization will temporarily relocate its headquarters and rent office space at 909 Market Street in Wilmington. WARM is also renting a 4,000 square foot workshop on the same block. Founded in 1996 after hurricanes Bertha and Fran to aid with disaster recovery, WARM’s mission has grown to encompass so much more.
“The move will enable WARM to open the Center for Homeownership Retention in 2023 and increase our impact on the community immediately,” said JC Lyle, WARM’s Executive Director. “The number of homeowners we’ve served has grown by an average of 14% each year since 2008. We’ve simply reached our capacity to serve in our current location and need a larger facility to meet growing needs.”
WARM’s services preserve owner-occupied affordable housing, allow seniors on fixed incomes to safely age in place, and help individuals and families rise out of poverty and begin to build generational wealth.
WARM is renting the office space from Parastream Development. The company is currently focused on a series of adaptive re-use projects in the heart of Wilmington’s Soda Pop district. “Parastream welcomes WARM to the Soda Pop district, knowing their mission to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes is an important part of revitalizing communities, including Wilmington’s downtown,” said Sandy Thorpe of Parastream Development.
The Center for Homeownership Retention will allow WARM to continue to grow by at least 10% annually and allow space for community partnerships to flourish. Through more of these community partnerships, WARM can implement a more holistic approach to helping people stay in their homes. So far in 2022, WARM has served 161 homeowners and is on pace to serve more than 180 by the end of the year.
About WARM
WARM’s mission is to repair, rebuild, and make homes accessible; and to inspire service, generosity, and hope. Urgent repairs address threats to safety, health, and accessibility. By rebuilding homes in disrepair or damaged by severe weather, WARM is preserving affordable housing in the community and supporting our homeowners’ goals to remain self-sufficient and live with dignity and independence. Repairs are provided at no cost to homeowners who qualify. WARM’s service area includes Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties.
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