The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has awarded the city of Kannapolis $100,000 to help qualifying homeowners in need of urgent home repairs.

The money will help pay for wheelchair ramps, repairs to roofs or heating systems, and other projects.

The Urgent Repair Program is meant to improve housing conditions that pose an imminent threat to the life and safety of low-income homeowners. Among its goals is to prevent low-income homeowners from having to relocate.

Kannapolis was one of 36 municipalities and nonprofit organizations to receive the funding this year. The city received similar funding in 2009 and 2016.

It has until December 2019 to use the $100,000 and must use it to provide deferred, forgiven loans of as much as $8,000 to qualifying residents.

To be eligible for assistance, household income must be at 50 percent or below the area median income. In Rowan County, incomes cannot exceed $19,600 annually for a household of one, $22,400 for two, $25,200 for three and $27,950 for a household of four.

Qualifying households must also include one of the following:

• A child with an elevated level of lead in his blood.

• A person at least 62 years old.

• A disabled person.

• Five or more household members.

• A single parent.

• A veteran.

Sherry Gordan, Kannapolis’ community development program administrator, estimates that from 15 to 20 homes will be rehabilitated with the money. Not all homes will require the full $8,000 for repairs.

Gordon said there has been tremendous interest in the program since the city announced it last week. Some 20 applicants have already expressed interest, she said.

The money will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, though some scheduling adjustments may be made for projects of great need.

To apply, call 704-920-4332 or email sgordon@kannapolisnc.gov.