03/29/2024
Spread the love

By Leyton Ezzel

WARM is an organization that began in Wilmington, NC, and stands for The Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, which started in response to hurricanes Bertha and Fran, volunteers across the Wilmington area were organized by the leaders of the Wilmington District of the United Methodist Church as they set out to repair storm damage to low income and elderly houses. The volunteers for WARM noticed that much of the damage predated the storms, which they did not have the resources for. SO WARM decided to continue its mission to help repair houses, which continues to this day.

WARM is extending its services into Bladen County, offering the services to Bladen County residents in need of their help. WARM can bring in money from across the state in order to help keep homes in good condition and make them last longer. When asked how it felt to set up in a new county, Executive Director J.C. Lyle stated, “We are excited to come to Bladen County, there’s nothing like WARM in Bladen County, and we’re very excited to get the word out and help.”

WARM’s mission is to repair, rebuild, and make homes accessible; and to inspire service, generosity, and hope. WARM’s work makes homes safer and lowers the risk of

  • Falls, fires, and other home accidents

  • Illness due to in-home environmental hazards

  • Home displacement due to life-threatening safety hazards and debilitating injuries

  • Warm also offers many home services that include

  • Bathroom upgrade

  • Ceiling and sheetrock repair

  • Electrical upgrades

  • Flooring

  • Heating and air conditioning systems replacement

  • Long-term disaster recovery

  • Plumbing repairs

  • Roof repair

  • Stairs and landing construction

  • Weatherization

  • Wheelchair and ramp construction

  • Connect homeworkers with partner organizations and additional resources

WARM’s services are present in Onslow, Duplin, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick, and if someone wants to sign up for WARM’s services, then follow the guide

  1. Call the WARM office at 910.399.7563

  • Applicants must own and occupy the home in need of repairs.

  • The home must be located in a county that can be served.

  • Total household income must meet WARM guidelines based on county of residence, number of residents living in the home, and other criteria.

  1. Complete WARM application

  • The application should be completed in its entirety, including income information for everyone living in the home.

  • Proof of income and homeownership is required with the completed application.

  1. WARM personnel will review the application

  • A background check will be completed on everyone in the home over the age of 18.

  • Eligibility results will be mailed in approximately (2) weeks.

  1. If eligible, WARM personnel will visit your home

  • An assessment of your home will be completed to determine if the work is within WARM guidelines.

If you wish to volunteer with WARM, here’s how it goes

  • No previous construction experience

  • WARM will provide all the tools and materials

  • All group sizes welcome

  • Your team will be matched to a homeowner based on your group size, skill level, and proximity

To contact WARM, email info@warmnc.org or visit www.warmnc.org. You can also call them at 910.399.7563.

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