TURN program aims to assist Winston-Salem homeowners with forgivable loans

Some Winston-Salem residents may soon be eligible for public funding to repair their homes.

The city will begin accepting applications for its Transforming Urban Residential Neighborhoods, or TURN, initiative next month.

The program offers home repairs for low- and moderate-income residents who live in approved areas of the city. Homeowners can receive up to $65,000 in forgivable loans to fix up their property.

Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services Samuel Hunter said at a recent community meeting that applications will be approved based on certain criteria. This includes residents' income, age and disability status.

"We want to make sure that this is a fair playing field for everyone," he said. "We don't want to play favorites, we want to make sure that the people that are in need get the necessary repairs."

The program is for those making up to 80% of the area median income, or around $46,000 annually for one person.

Applications will be available from June 1 to June 30.