CONTRIBUTED — Carter County has received a $500,000 HOME grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to rehabilitate homes. The HOME program goal is to bring sub-standard housing units into compliance with HUD housing quality standards as well as local building codes and health/safety concerns. Examples of eligible work may include plumbing, electrical, foundations and sub-flooring repair, roof repairs, window and door replacement, and handicap accessibility items. The work will be completed by area contractors and will be at minimal cost to qualifying homeowners.

First Tennessee Development District is hosting a separate public information session for all qualified citizens of Carter County to learn how to apply for home rehabilitation grant assistance. Residents living in Carter County will attend a workshop held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Carter County Courthouse, Second Floor Courtroom, 801 E. Elk Ave., Elizabethton. 

All of the following criteria must be met to qualify: 

1. Meet low-to-moderate income guidelines

2. Have proof that you own your home and the land on which it is located for a minimum one year

3. Reside permanently within the Carter County Limits 

4. All property taxes paid up to date.

Applications for grant assistance will be distributed during the public meeting. Individual applicant interviews will be scheduled. All applications are scored by program criteria and will be priority ranked by scores. Based on the final number of applications received, everyone who qualifies may not receive grant assistance since the program has a limited amount of funds. 

Any persons wishing to attend with special needs of accessibility please contact the Carter County Mayor’s Office at (423) 542-1801.