LUMBERTON — The deadline has been extended for homeowners wishing to apply for assistance in repairing their Hurricane Florence-damaged homes under the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program.
Homeowners have until Feb. 1 to sign a Right of Entry form to participate in the program.
“Hurricane Florence swamped homes, businesses, schools, farms and entire communities, and North Carolina is working hard to recover,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Getting people back in safe, livable homes is key and the STEP program can help families do that. If you’ve been notified that the STEP program may be a good fit for your family, don’t wait — apply now.”
The Federal Emergence Management Agency has identified 15,784 homeowners in North Carolina as candidates for the program, which provides basic, partial repairs to make homes safe, clean and secure so homeowners can return to their homes as long-term repairs are made.
Homeowners in Robeson, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties are eligible. Applicants must live in a single-family, owner-occupied property and should be ready to return to the community and live in the home after the partial repairs are made.
Eligible homeowners may participate in an information session or call 833-257-1100 for information. Sessions have been scheduled for Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the College Lakes Recreation Center, located at 4945 Rosehill Road in Fayetteville; and at the Emergency Operations Center, located at 3820 Bridges St., Suite A in Morehead City.
A program staff member will contact applicants eligible for STEP and explain the program. If a homeowner agrees to participate, an inspector will visit the home, but a form allowing the inspector to enter the home must be signed. The inspector will assess the damage and confirm eligibility. If confirmed eligible, the inspector will take photos and develop a repair plan.
Depending on the extent of damage, the repairs will be assigned to either a voluntary disaster relief group or a contractor. When repairs are complete, a final site visit will occur during which the homeowner meets with the inspector and builder to review the home. The inspector will ensure that temporary repairs are complete and meet all standards. Photos will record the completed work.