DOVER — A new state program is designed to help families and individuals who have experienced foreclosures, job loss, or other financial difficulties stemming from the financial crisis that began in 2008, Governor John Carney and other officials announced today.

Fresh Start, a partnership between the Delaware State Housing Authority and the state’s financial empowerment program, $tand By Me, offers free financial coaching to help Delawareans get past setbacks and move toward home ownership again.

“Home ownership is a fundamental element of our economy and important to ensuring our neighborhoods thrive,” said Governor Carney. “We have to make sure that all Delawareans have an opportunity to succeed, achieve financial stability and strengthen their communities. Through Fresh Start, we are giving people the tools they need to help them work through economic challenges.”

The statewide program, funded by bank settlements, was developed to help Delawareans who lost their homes due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu arrangements, said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. They may wish to improve credit, increase savings, or decrease debt to put them in a better position to buy a home or rent.

“Fresh Start reaches Delawareans who have struggled to recover and get back on the path to financial stability,” Ben Addi said. “Losing your home or job is painful and a significant challenge, but with the right coaching and assistance, we can help Delaware families move forward again.”

$tand By Me works with nonprofits to offer personal financial coaching, with four coaches statewide devoted to helping Fresh Start clients.

“Our goal is to provide people with the information, resources and support they need to establish and achieve their financial goals,” said $tand By Me Director Mary Dupont. Since it began six years ago, $tand By Me has served more than 75,000 Delawareans, including more than 14,000 who have participated in financial coaching.

Governor Carney and other leaders spoke at an event today formally kicking the program off at the Goodwill store at Lea Blvd in Wilmington. Goodwill is one of three nonprofits with Fresh Start financial coaches, along with NCALL Research and Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware.

Information on Fresh Start can be found at standbymede.org/fresh, or a coach can be reached by calling:

New Castle County: 302-504-3549 or 302-652-3991, ext. 106
Kent County: 302-678-9400
Sussex County: 302-855-1370

Delaware also offers assistance to people facing foreclosure or going through the process. The Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program has helped 665 people with emergency mortgage loans since 2007.

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Media contact:
Dan Shortridge, Director of Public Relations
Delaware State Housing Authority
302-739-0271
dans@destatehousing.com

DOVER — The Delaware State Housing Authority has earned a national award for accounting and financial reporting, extending its streak for the 22nd consecutive year.

DSHA recently received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Accounting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its fiscal year 2016 comprehensive annual financial report.

“We are all about achieving efficiency, transparency and results for Delaware citizens, and this high honor shows how agencies like the Delaware State Housing Authority are meeting those goals and being good stewards of public funds,” said Governor John Carney. “Clear, complete and accurate financial reporting is a vital tool to helping Delawareans and others understand how state government works for them.”

The award is the highest form of recognition that a government body can receive for financial reporting. Judging was conducted by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the GFOA’s program, including transparency and ease of understanding.

“DSHA’s staff has proven year after year that it is committed to true excellence in financial management and stewardship, and this shows their exceptional work,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “We are pleased to again receive this recognition for our work on behalf of Delaware citizens.”

DSHA’s comprehensive annual financial report, available at destatehousing.com, contains information on DSHA’s funds, assets, expenditures and revenues, as well as program information to help investors and others assess DSHA’s financial condition.

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Media contact:
Dan Shortridge, Director of Public Relations
Delaware State Housing Authority
302-739-0271
dans@destatehousing.com

DOVER — Delaware homeowners who face foreclosure, have fallen behind on their mortgage payments, or have questions about their mortgage can meet with lenders and housing counselors at two upcoming workshops in Dover on May 15 and Wilmington on May 16.

At each free workshop, homeowners can also get information from the Attorney General’s Office and the Delaware State Housing Authority about government programs, the Delaware foreclosure timeline, the national mortgage settlement, and preventing foreclosure frauds and scams. No reservations or appointments are needed.

“We want to help Delawareans protect their homes by connecting them with the resources and information that they need,” Attorney General Matt Denn said. “These workshops are a way to learn about alternatives in one stop.”

“We have worked for years to help Delawareans get back on their feet, aiding thousands of families with foreclosure prevention assistance and counseling,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “Helping families keep their homes is one of the best things we can do to strengthen our communities.”

The foreclosure workshops will be May 15 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with educational sessions at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, and May 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with an educational session at 5 p.m., at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington.

For more information, visit delawarehomeownerrelief.com or attorneygeneral.delaware.gov; email consumer.protection@delaware.gov; or call the Delaware Homeowner Relief Hotline at 800-220-5425 or the Attorney General’s Foreclosure Prevention office at 302-577-8393 or 302-577-8378.

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Media contacts
Department of Justice: Carl Kanefsky, 302-577-8949, carl.kanefsky@delaware.gov
Delaware State Housing Authority: Dan Shortridge, 302-739-0271, dans@destatehousing.com

DOVER — Nonprofit organizations wanting to develop permanent supportive housing for the homeless or persons with disabilities can now apply for $1 million in federal funding through the Delaware State Housing Authority, DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi announced today.

The projects, which may include new construction or rehabilitation, should serve people who are homeless; who are homeless and experience mental health or substance abuse issues; or who have disabilities, particularly at high risk of homelessness or institutionalization. They must provide long-term permanent housing with supportive services, allowing residents to live as independently as possible.

“Delaware has made great strides in fighting homelessness and supporting people with disabilities, but we can and must do more,” Ben Addi said. “We are aiming to support our nonprofit partners in expanding housing opportunities and helping Delawareans in need. These projects will create long-term, supportive housing that is greatly needed.”

The loan funding comes from both the National Housing Trust Fund ($600,000) and the HOME Investments Partnership Program ($400,000), both federal funds administered by DSHA. The National Housing Trust Fund is a new affordable housing program for extremely low-income and very low-income households, funded by loan assessments from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and complete an application available at destatehousing.com. Applications are due by 4 p.m. June 16.

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Media contact:
Dan Shortridge, Director of Public Relations
Delaware State Housing Authority
dans@destatehousing.com
302-739-0271

Photos are available for media use on Flickr.

WILMINGTON — Families and others who want to learn more about buying a home can get a wealth of information at the free Delaware Homebuyer Fair later this month. The April 22 event at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers educational seminars on every aspect of home buying, as well as the chance to connect with service providers in the real estate, financing and home buying fields.

The event, now in its seventh year, typically draws between 350 and 400 people. Registration is strongly suggested to save a spot by visiting destatehousing.com.

“The Homebuyer Fair is a great opportunity to get lots of information all in one place. We make it as simple as possible for people to learn about buying a home,” said Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi. “Our goal is to help people become better prepared and feel comfortable with the process.”

Seminars will cover topics such as finding properties, obtaining low-cost financing, downpayment assistance, home inspections and maintenance, and budgeting. Attendees can earn credit toward HUD Homebuyer Education Certificate requirements.

The Homebuyer Fair is presented by the Delaware State Housing Authority in partnership with the Delaware Federation of Housing Counselors. Sponsors include Faith 1510, Hilltop Securities, GreenbergTraurig, 93.7 WSTW, WDEL 101.7, Xfinity, DrinkerBiddle, Ward & Taylor, Meridian Bank and George K. Baum & Company.

Attendees can register online at destatehousing.com or by contacting DSHA at 888-363-8808.

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Media contact:
Dan Shortridge
Director of Public Relations
Delaware State Housing Authority
302-739-0271
dans@destatehousing.com