Preservation Equity Project

Preservation Durham's Preservation Equity Project (PEP), helps low-income homeowners in historic districts retain ownership of their properties while protecting architectural character. PEP provides small grants to fund maintenance and repair on National Register-listed dwellings that are owned by households with incomes less than 50 percent of the Durham metro area, median family income.

These small grants can help longtime homeowners maintain a safe place to live in Durham's historic neighborhoods and help longtime owners age in place and maintain ownership. Owning one’s home is a primary source of building household wealth in the United States. Historically, lower-income families own homes for shorter periods and therefore benefit less. With this program, Preservation Durham hopes to bring some equity and access to the preservation movement.

Eligibility

ELIGIBLE BUILDINGS

• Owner occupied home within Durham County
• Home must be a "contributing" building in a National Register or Local Historic District, or individually listed.
• Must meet income requirements based on number of residents in your home.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS should addresses a health, safety or accessibility need including:

• Roof repair and replacement
• Repair of windows & doors
• Repair of rotting siding, porches and decks
• Repair & update plumbing and/or electrical systems
• Accessibility upgrades (ADA ramp)