Homeownership Production

Home Repair and Rehabilitation

- Single-Family Rehab

- Urgent Repair

- Duke Home Energy

Supportive Housing Development

Rental Housing Production Program

Homelessness Prevention

Becoming a CHDO

Housing-Related Counseling

Fair housing

Resources and Recognition

Duke Home Energy Loan Pool (HELP)

The Agency is accepting applications from housing rehabilitation service providers for membership in the Duke Home Energy Loan Pool (HELP). As a HELP Member, organizations may access program funds for energy-efficiency measures performed in association with the comprehensive rehabilitation of the homes of Duke Energy customers.  The Loan Pool is funded by Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation. HELP funds must be used with funding from other resources such as CDBG, HOME or SFR.

HELP Members may reserve up to $10,000 in HELP funds for up to 180 days on behalf of each eligible homeowner, on a unit-by-unit basis. HELP-eligible owners-occupants must have an income of 80% or less of the area median income, and be approved to receive assistance under the comprehensive housing rehabilitation project with which HELP assistance is to be paired.

HELP assistance is provided to the homeowner in the form of an interest-free loan which is secured by a Deed of Trust. HELP loans are forgiven at $1,000 per year.  This means that the balance due under this Note shall automatically be reduced by one thousand ($1,000.00) on each anniversary date of this Note such that on the Maturity Date the outstanding principal balance due will be zero ($0.00).  Up to ten percent (10%) of the amount of HELP funds used for  rehabilitation hard costs (costs for labor and materials) on each home may compensate the Member for soft costs (work write-ups, contract management, inspections, etc.).  

Nonprofit organizations, local governments and regional councils of government serving Duke Energy Customers are eligible to apply for HELP membership. Applicants must have a comprehensive housing rehabilitation project which would provide matching funds for HELP, and show that they have the capacity to adequately manage HELP-related activities.

The HELP application and rehabilitation process is outlined in the Pool process summary, “How to dip into the Duke Home Energy Loan Pool”. The Application for Loan Pool Membership and HELP Participation Guidelines are available for downloading.

Contact Team Leader Housing Rehabilitation, Richard Smith-Overman at 919-877-5628 or .