When life changes, your housing options matter.

Loss of a loved one, illness, aging, an unexpected expense or a change in income can make housing decisions difficult. You don’t have to know exactly what to ask. This page is a place to begin.

These resources are available whether or not you are a real estate client.

What kind of hardship?

Housing challenges can follow many life changes:

Loss: widowhood, death in the family, surviving spouses, or children facing the loss of a parent
Family changes: single parenting, separation, divorce or unexpected caregiving
Health and aging: disability, illness, fixed-income living or accessibility needs
Financial hardship: job loss, reduced income, missed mortgage payments or foreclosure notices
Home repairs: unsafe heating, roof leaks, plumbing, septic, storm damage or insurance gaps
Military transitions: unexpected moves, loss of benefits, or surviving-family housing concerns

You don’t need to fit one category to ask for help finding information.

Places to turn for help now

Unsure where to start? NC 211 — dial 211 for free, confidential referrals for housing, utilities and local assistance.

Urgent home repairs: NC Housing Finance Agency Urgent Repair Program and USDA rural repair loans and grants. Eligibility, funding and local availability vary.

Heating, cooling and energy costs: NC Weatherization Assistance Program.

Mortgage trouble or a surviving military spouse: VA foreclosure-prevention assistance and VA surviving-spouse housing resources. Contact your mortgage servicer promptly if payments are at risk.

Foreclosure, title, estate or other legal concerns: Legal Aid of North Carolina. Eligibility applies; some concerns may require a private NC attorney.

Insurance claim or coverage questions: NC Department of Insurance — 855-408-1212.

For immediate danger, call 911. Website email is not an emergency repair or crisis service.

A community idea we’re exploring

I’m considering whether a separate nonprofit could someday help homeowners facing hardship with essential repairs, particularly older adults and families who have lost a spouse or parent. If you know of an organization or person interested in exploring that possibility, I’d welcome a conversation. This is only an idea—not an active charity, assistance program or request for donations.

Share a potential partnership or idea — no personal financial details needed.

Have a housing question?

If you’re facing a difficult housing decision, we can help you identify what information to gather and which qualified resources may be appropriate. No obligation to buy, sell or hire our brokerage.

H. Fuhrman Real Estate · Heather Fuhrman, Broker-in-Charge
bic@fuhrmanhomes.com · (910) 850-9981

This page offers general information, not legal, lending, insurance or benefits advice. Outside organizations determine eligibility and assistance; no aid is promised or administered by this brokerage.