RALEIGH — Residents struggling to repair their homes after the April 16 tornadoes can apply for loans from the city.

The Raleigh City Council voted today to provide low-interest loans of up to $20,000 to under-insured homeowners who need help meeting the city’s minimum living standards.

The city will pull $400,000 from other housing programs to make it available for storm victims with low- and moderate-incomes.

While many residents have begun repairs, 25 to 35 families are unable to return home because they can’t afford the necessary work, said Councilman Eugene Weeks, who pushed for the loan program.

Weeks said he's already had visits from two families who heard about the proposed loans. "There's a need for it," he said.

Loan applicants must have exhausted all other avenues of relief, including insurance and FEMA assistance. The deferred loans would be repaid to the city if the house is sold or the borrower no longer maintains it as a main residence.

For more information, call the city’s community development department at 919-996-4330.

matt.garfield@newsobserver.com or 919-836-4952