The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is now accepting applications for assistance for urgent home repairs of up to $15,000 in Alleghany, Ashe, and Wilkes Counties. The Urgent Repair Program (URP) is sponsored by High Country Council of Governments, with funds provided by N.C. Housing Trust Fund. The application period for the URP 2027 cycle will be open from July 24, 2026, to September 25, 2026. This program provides funds to assist very-low- and low-income households with special needs in addressing housing conditions which pose imminent threats to their life and/or safety or to provide accessibility modifications and other repairs necessary to prevent displacement. HCCOG estimates that a total of twenty (20) households in the three counties will be assisted under URP 2027.

Eligible applicants are homeowners with a total household income at 50% or below of the state’s area median income (see table below). Homes must be owner occupied. Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements: elderly (62 years old or older) occupant in the home; handicapped or disabled occupant in the home; a veteran living in the home; be a single parent with a dependent living at home; have a large family (5 or more household members); a household with a child below the age of six with lead hazards in the home. A URP27 Assistance Policy further details eligibility requirements and can be obtained online at hcccog.org/resources or by request from HCCOG.

                                      URP27 NC Statewide Income Limits  Effective Date June 1, 2026

The deadline to submit applications to HCCOG is September 25, 2026.

You can download the application by clicking here. Please submit applications or questions to the individuals below.

By Phone or email: Judson Blevins (828) 265-5434, ext. 112  jblevins@hccog.org   Alex Castillo (828) 265-5434, ext. 110  acastillo@hccog.org

Mail: High Country Council of Governments 468 New Market Blvd. Boone, NC 28607