October 27, 2011                                                                                                                Randall C. Hitt, (704) 562-1772 [c]
                                                                                                                                            rhitt@communitylink-nc.org

NEW HOUSING FUNDS FOR LINCOLN COUNTY

(Lincolnton) – Low-income homeowners may be eligible for rehabilitation on their house through a new grant that benefits Lincoln County residents.

Community Link, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization, has been awarded a $160,000 Single-Family Rehabilitation Grant by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Funds will be used to rehabilitate homes owned and occupied by very low and low-income individuals and families. The program targets the elderly, disabled or families with a child under the age of 6 whose health is threatened by the presence of hazardous lead-based paints.

(Left to Right) - CL CEO Floyd R. Davis, Jr., Benchmark's Alicia Broadway and Yvonne Jensen, CL Board Member Neil Moore - smiling after our announement of serving Lincoln County. Check out more photos on Facebook.

Prospective families are selected on a first come - first to qualify basis. Eligibility requirements include:

• Applicant is elderly (62+) and/or disabled.
• Income must be less than 80% of the county median. This income limit would cover approximately 85 percent of retired individuals or those living on disability.
• Owner must occupy the home.
• Site-built homes only (no manufactured houses).
• Homes need to be in relatively good condition, but would benefit from energy efficient improvements, handicapped accessibility, roof and foundation repairs, and/or updated electrical, heating, or plumbing systems.

Expenditures are limited to a maximum of $45,000 per home. The work cost is in the form of a no payment, no interest loan to the owner which is forgiven at $3,000 per year.

Benchmark CMR, Inc. will administer the grant on behalf of Community Link. Interested individuals can contact Cindy Ramsey at Benchmark CMR at 1-800-650-3925 x100 for more information or to apply by phone.

Community Link enables individuals and families to obtain and sustain safe, decent and affordable housing. Learn more at www.communitylink-nc.org.

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