Harnett County’s Community Development Division secured a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Preservation Grant in 2023. This funding enables the County’s General Services Department to assist qualifying residents with essential home repairs, helping to ensure homes remain safe, livable, and well-maintained, ultimately improving life for many in the community.

In 2024, the Community Development Division with General Services, accepted applications for assistance and is now working with contractors to complete vital home repairs.

The USDA Housing Preservation Grant provides funding to state and local governmental entities to support the repair and rehabilitation of homes owned or occupied by low-and very-low-income rural residents. Harnett County previously received grant funding in 2008, 2010, and most recently in 2023. Since first receiving the grant, the County has successfully repaired 12 homes.

General Services Director, Barry Blevins, has been leading the rehabilitation and repair projects, working closely with residents to ensure they receive the support they need to stay in their homes.

“Receiving this grant is a transformative opportunity for our community. It allows us to provide critical assistance to residents, ensuring their homes remain safe and livable. Our goal is to help our community stay in their homes and we are grateful to be a recipient of this grant, and it is allowing us to do just that,” said Blevins.

The Community Development Division is committed to making Harnett County’s communities more livable and sustainable by enhancing the quality of life for residents. Through this initiative, the division has facilitated essential home repairs including roof repairs, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), insulation, ceilings, plumbing, and flooring.

Facilities Director, Kenneth Snipes, has also played an instrumental role in this initiative by assisting with obtaining quotes and coordinating repair work.

 At this time, Community Development is not accepting new applications, as the County focuses on completing repairs funded by the 2023 grant cycle.

To learn more about the work of Community Development, please visit https://www.harnett.org/commdev/.

Contractors interested in assisting in home repairs are encouraged to contact the Community Development Division for more information.