Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP)

How it works

The City of Wilson’s Community Development Division administers the Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP) for eligible homeowners in Wilson County. The program’s stated purpose is to help with essential rehabilitation of scattered-site single-family homes owned and occupied by very low- and low-income homeowners with special needs.

What the money covers

The city lists example eligible repairs as:

• Replace or repair roof
• Repair deteriorated kitchen and/or bathroom sections
• Repair malfunctioning plumbing or electrical systems
• Repair deteriorated floors, windows, walls, and ceilings
• Replace or install a heating/air system

Amounts and matching

• Maximum loan amount: $70,000
• Interest rate: 0%
• The loan is forgivable as long as the owner resides in the home
• Forgiveness rate: $14,000 per year

How to apply

Applications were announced as available beginning February 27, 2026, and the city provides an application checklist and assistance policy.

Other program rules the city states

• The contract for rehabilitation work is between the contractor and the homeowner
• The city acts as lender on behalf of the homeowner
• The city qualifies the borrower/property, inspects the property, prepares the work write-up, prepares program paperwork, secures bids, monitors contractor work, and issues payments to contractors
• All work is subject to state and federal bidding regulations
• No owner-contractor agreements are eligible
• All contractors must be properly insured
• Homes are tested for radon, asbestos, and lead-based paint if built before 1978
• Families may remain in the home during the work unless temporary displacement is warranted