WARM NC asks Onslow County for partnership to expand home-repair aid; nonprofit reports long waiting list

Kim Gore, chief operations officer of Warm NC, told the Onslow County Board of Commissioners on April 6 that the nonprofit provides free critical home repairs and has expanded service into Onslow County but now faces a local waiting list.

Gore said Warm NC serves homeowners across seven counties and began operating in Onslow County in 2022; she said the group currently has 37 clients waiting for repairs in the county and that average rebuilds cost roughly $12,000–$14,000. "For 2026, I have 37 people on my waiting list. 30 of them are in the county," Gore said, urging commissioners to let her present a fuller briefing on the organization’s needs and partnership options.

Gore described Warm NC’s funding mix — North Carolina Housing Finance Agency programs (including urgent repair under $15,000 and a higher ESFR option up to $40,000 with stricter requirements), state and federal grants and a HUD grant — and said the available funding is insufficient to meet demand. She asked for the opportunity to explore county partnerships and local funding to bridge gaps so the nonprofit can reopen regular county applications rather than accept only agency referrals.

Commissioners thanked Gore and invited her to provide additional reports or materials for board consideration. Warm NC said it focuses on housing preservation for seniors, disabled residents and veterans and partners with local agencies and United Way.