Local, State, And Federal Leaders Praise Investments Throughout Delaware
Dover, Del. April 10, 2023 – The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) joined its nationwide counterparts in kicking off National Community Development Week, April 10 – 14. Today, the state hosted a press conference and site visit at The Flats Phase III & IV in Wilmington to inform the public on how and where federal funds are utilized to assist low- and moderate-income Delaware, in addition to showcasing the inspirational impact of investments to date.
National Community Development Week, created in 1986, focuses local and national attention on programs and funding that build more robust and resilient communities, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, HOME grants, and the Housing Trust Fund.
“Countless residents in our community have benefited from projects funded by the federal government, the majority of whom are low-and moderate-income persons,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Through the hard work and dedication of our Delaware community, local leaders, and business partners, we are building a better community for future generations.”
CDBG programs, HOME grants, and the Housing Trust Fund, coupled with state investments, touch various initiatives, including finding temporary housing for households displaced after natural disasters, COVID-19 pandemic response, and emergency repairs. These funds are a versatile funding source that helps revitalize our neighborhoods and improve the lives of Delawareans.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and HUD remain committed to building stronger and more resilient communities across America through CDBG, HOME, and the Housing Trust Fund,” said Matt Heckles, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Region III. “I am excited to celebrate National Community Development Week with the First State as it has benefitted from these allocations and invested them in ways that improve the lives of Delaware residents.”
“We are investing in housing development across our state so that more Delaware families have access to safe, affordable housing,” said Governor John Carney. “The federal funds we’ve received over the years have bolstered our efforts to support our most vulnerable residents and build stronger communities by focusing on their needs. I’d like to thank the Congressional delegation for their efforts to secure this important federal funding.”
“It’s a positive move for Delaware to invest in building, rehabbing, and preserving rental and homeownership units as part of its many community development efforts,” said DSHA Director Eugene R. Young Jr. “We all know that we’re in a critical housing situation, and putting these dollars to work is something that many of the recipients, including DSHA, take pride in.”
Between 2017 and 2021, $9,869,445 in CDBG funds were provided for housing activities, such as construction, rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, lead-based paint testing, and abatement. Seventy-six housing units were created using the Housing Trust Fund, and 50 rental units were created using HOME grants in the past five years.
The Flats III & IV is an extensive, seven-phase construction project to redevelop the original units as new affordable housing. Phase I, with 72 units, Phase II, with 72 units; and Phase III, with 77 units, are complete. Construction will soon begin on Phase IV, with 52 units. The project is expected to unfold over a 10-15-year period and is led by Todmorden Foundation, HDC MidAtlantic, and Woodlawn Trustees.
“The Flats are transforming the surrounding community in Westside Wilmington. We know that our attention to detail and efforts to maintain the area’s design feature works,” said Rich Przywara, President and CEO of Woodlawn Trustees. “We owe our success to the community development dollars that have passed through Delaware and are grateful to celebrate the importance of National Community Development Week with our partners.”
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.