“Patch Now, Pay Never: The Loan That Forgives”
- Quarla Blackwell
- Dec 11, 2025
- 2 min read
The City of Kinston’s Low-Income House Repair Loan Program is now accepting applications—offering forgivable loans to help residents fix critical home issues.
This program is part of the Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP27), funded by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. It’s designed to help low-income homeowners in Kinston make necessary repairs to stay safe, warm, and code-compliant—without the burden of traditional loan repayment.
🔧 What the Program Offers
0% interest, deferred-forgivable loans up to $40,000 per home
Covers repairs for structural damage, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and accessibility
Forgiven over 5 years as long as the homeowner continues to live in the home
🏠 Who’s Eligible
Must own and occupy a home within Kinston city limits
Must meet income guidelines based on household size
Priority is given to elderly, disabled, and veteran homeowners
Homes must have code violations or urgent repair needs
📅 How to Apply
You can apply by attending one of the information sessions or contacting the city directly:
November 13 at 5:30 PM – Kinston City Hall, Council Chambers, 207 E King St
November 15 at 9:30 AM – Georgia K. Battle Community Center, 401 Lincoln St
If you missed the sessions, you can still apply by contacting the City of Kinston Planning Department or visiting their website for forms and guidance.
📄 What You’ll Need
Proof of income for all household members
Photo ID and Social Security numbers
Proof of homeownership (deed or tax records)
Description of needed repairs or code issues
💬 Why It Matters
This program helps residents stay in their homes safely and affordably, especially those who can’t afford major repairs. It’s part of a broader effort to preserve housing stock, reduce displacement, and improve living conditions for vulnerable families in Kinston.






Comments