Our Story
Founded as Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, WARM NC began in 1996 in response to hurricanes Bertha and Fran. Volunteers from across our region were organized by leaders of the Wilmington District of the United Methodist Church to repair the damaged homes of low-income and elderly residents. As they entered the homes, volunteers noticed that much of the damage predated the storms – they just did not have the resources to make costly repairs. So, while responding to a natural disaster, WARM volunteers discovered a social disaster: substandard housing.
Long after the TV crews and national relief agencies packed up, WARM has continued its mission to improve the living conditions of low-income homeowners, including many elderly and disabled. Since its inception, WARM has helped over 2,000 families in Southeastern North Carolina.
WARM opened the Center for Homeownership Retention in 2023. We will keep going until every homeowner in our service area is able to live safely and independently in the home they worked so hard to pay for.
Our Vision
All homeowners are safe in their homes.
Our Mission
Repair, rebuild, and make homes accessible; and to inspire service, generosity, and hope.
How We’ve Grown
WARM NC has grown significantly over the years, expanding both the number of families served and the number of counties reached across southeastern North Carolina. Today, WARM NC operates from a permanent facility with warehouse space that allows the organization to store materials, coordinate volunteers, and respond quickly to community needs. At the same time, WARM has strengthened its operations by streamlining internal processes and expanding the partnerships and resources that support its work.
WARM’s efforts continue to evolve to address the long-term needs of homeowners throughout the region. While urgent repairs remain an important part of the work, there is an increasing focus on preventing hazards before they become serious safety concerns. Many repairs now prioritize accessibility improvements, fall prevention, and other modifications that allow older adults to remain safely in their homes as they age.
Through collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, local leaders, and philanthropic partners, WARM helps identify homeowners who may be at risk and address issues early, before injuries or housing instability occur. These preventative efforts recognize the important connection between safe housing, health, independence, and overall wellbeing.
Together with its partners and volunteers, WARM continues to expand solutions that support homeowners and strengthen communities across southeastern North Carolina.