Greensboro City Council has signed off on a new program to address the repair needs of low-income homeowners.
Last month, following a presentation by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, the council gave approval for the no-cost, grant-based Home Repair Greensboro program. Participants need to have owned their properties within city limits for a minimum of five years.
Gene Brown is the president of partner organization Community Housing Solutions which works primarily with older adults and those with disabilities, rehabbing about 150 homes each year. He came to CHS following a career in healthcare and says the health of one’s home — plumbing, utilities, roofs — can have a huge impact on the health of its occupants.
"The number one cause of the repairs is water damage — either a leaking roof or faulty plumbing," says Brown. "And when you have water getting onto wood or sheetrock, you have mold and mildew that’s created in your home. Consequently, that can lead to respiratory issues, and aggravate conditions that you may already have or can create medical situations or health conditions that you now have to get treatment for."
Assistant Director of Housing and Strategy Cynthia Blue says Home Repair Greensboro could begin free repair work as soon as February. There are currently nearly 100 people on the waiting list.