Statewide Emergency Repair Program launches from Delaware State Housing Authority
MILFORD – Qualified homeowners in need of assistance to keep their homes livable can apply for assistance from the new Statewide Emergency Repair Program announced today by Governor John Carney and the Delaware State Housing Authority.
“No one should live in a home with broken plumbing or a leaking roof. We can help our families in need by making their homes safe and healthy, which also strengthens our communities,” Governor Carney said. “This is not a hand out, but a hand up by helping those in emergency situations. Public-private partnerships like this help leverage our resources to assist as many people as possible.”
The new program is administered by the Milford Housing Development Corporation, which was awarded $600,000 by DSHA to streamline the application process. DSHA had previously funded repairs through a number of partners, depending on jurisdiction, while the Statewide Emergency Response Program has a single point of contact and operates in all three counties. DSHA conducted extensive research and received partner input to develop the program.
“Repairing roofs, fixing heating systems and solving accessibility issues are simple jobs that can be out of the reach of many people due to financial circumstances,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “We’re pleased to be able to help with that by partnering with the Milford Housing Development Corporation and its statewide network of nonprofits and agencies that is helping reach people in need.”
The Statewide Emergency Repair Program is designed to address emergency conditions threatening the health or safety of eligible Delaware homeowners and members of their households. Qualified applicants must own their home and have lived there for at least one year, and must meet income guidelines.
Situations that qualify include immediate health or safety threats such as heating system repairs (winter months), plumbing repairs (non-functioning), electrical repairs (in hazardous cases), roof repair or replacement (for active leaks), major structural repairs or urgent accessibility modifications. A portion of the funding will go toward assisting residents of manufactured housing or mobile homes.
“We have been involved in emergency repairs for more than two decades, and know how important it is to make sure homes are kept in good condition,” said David Moore, president and CEO of the Milford Housing Development Corporation. “Our goal is to help as many people as possible with true emergencies that threaten residents’ health or safety.”
Homeowners can apply to the Milford Housing Development Corporation at 302-491-4010 or toll-free at 844-413-0038. Staff will work with applicants to determine if they qualify.
About the Delaware State Housing Authority
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com.
Media contact:
Dan Shortridge
Director of Public Relations
Delaware State Housing Authority
Office: 302-739-0271
Cell: 302-632-0470
dans@destatehousing.com