Dover, Del. December 13, 2022 – In response to the overwhelming demand for assistance, the Delaware State Housing Authority will no longer accept new applications to the Delaware Housing Assisting Program (DEHAP) at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023.

This closure will allow DSHA to process existing applications submitted up to that point. Tenants and landlords with open or in-progress applications submitted before 8:00 a.m. on January 2, 2023, are encouraged to monitor their emails, text messages, and voicemails for status updates.

DEHAP assistance is not guaranteed, and applications or recertifications will be processed in the order received. Individuals experiencing emergencies, such as eviction with a set court date, immediate risk of homelessness, or utility cut-off, can start a new application for assistance after January 2, 2023, through one of the program’s 15 Community Navigators. The complete list of Community Navigators is available on decovidhousinghelp.com.

The DEHAP Program is funded through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program, which the U.S. Treasury Department distributed to Delaware in January (ERA-1) and May 2021 (ERA-2). ERA-1 funding expired on September 30, 2022, and ERA-2 funds are allocated until 2025 unless exhausted prior. At the current rate of assistance being distributed, the DEHAP program funds are being depleted at an exorbitated rate.

To date, the DEHAP program has dispersed over $122 million in rental and utility assistance, serving close to 22,000 Delawareans as they recovered from the devastating impact of the pandemic. For additional details or questions, all are encouraged to call (866) 935 -0407 for more information.

About 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 serves as a Public Housing Authority and 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 DSHA, please call (302) 739-4263 or visit destatehousing.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the DEHAP Program ending?

• The DEHAP program will continue to process applications and disburse payments. The program in its current format will eventually end.

When will the program reopen?

• An reopen date has not been Sign up for email alerts regarding the future of the DEHAP program here: http://eepurl.com/h9kABf

Why is the application portal closing?

• The portal is closing to manage application Tenants and landlords with open or in-progress applications submitted before 8:00 a.m. on January 2, 2023, are encouraged to monitor their emails, text messages, and voicemails for status updates. Those looking to apply before 8:00 a.m. January 2, 2023, deadline can apply here: decovidhousinghelp.com. Assistance is not guaranteed.

What should I do if I’m currently facing eviction or the risk of homelessness?

• Individuals experiencing emergencies, such as eviction with a set court date, immediate risk of homelessness, or utility cut-off, can start a new application for assistance through one of the program’s 15 Community Navigators. The complete list of Community Navigators is available on decovidhousinghelp.com/application-assistance/.

What should I do if I need to recertify?

• Applications for recertifications will not be accepted during this program closure, and future assistance is not guaranteed.

What should I do if my application is denied while the program is closed?

• Denied applications can be appealed; however, assistance is not

What happens if I don’t submit my application by 8:00 a.m. on January 2, 2023?

• After January 8:00 a.m. 2, 2023, new applications will not be accepted, and there is no guarantee when the program will resume accepting new Sign up for email alerts regarding the future of the DEHAP program here: http://eepurl.com/h9kABf

What can I do the increase my chances of getting approved during the program closure?

• Confirm you meet the updated eligibility requirements (https://decovidhousinghelp.com/eligible/)
• Submit all required income The DEHAP program no longer accepts the self-certification form. (https://decovidhousinghelp.com/how-to-apply/)
• Connect with your landlord and/or tenant to ensure your application is complete and submitted by January 2, 2023.

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