Dover, Del. – January 29, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Delaware Senate confirmed Matthew Heckles as Delaware’s Housing Cabinet Secretary and the Director of Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). 

Heckles brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this position, he oversaw the delivery of federal housing programs across six states, including Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Prior to that role, Heckles led the Community Development Administration in Maryland, overseeing a wide range of affordable housing and economic development programs.

DSHA is excited to welcome back Heckles to DSHA. Heckles joined DSHA as a legislative and policy advisor, later advancing to Director of Policy and Planning. During his past tenure, Heckles helped pass legislation to protect domestic violence victims and reconstitute the Council on Housing. Heckles also advocated for the landmark legislation that authorized the creation of the Downtown Development Districts (DDD) Rebate program.

As Director of Housing Finance, Heckles was responsible for all mortgage lending activities, multi-family bond financing, and foreclosure prevention programs. His leadership led to new partnerships with realtors, lenders, and other stakeholders, as well as new innovative programs to support low- and moderate-income families.

Heckles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware.

“The rent is too damn high, and Matthew will help more Delaware families lower housing costs,” said Governor Meyer. “Housing is a human right, and I look forward to working with Matthew to build more affordable housing and help all Delawareans thrive.”

Heckles will be tasked with addressing Delaware’s growing housing affordability crisis and working with stakeholders statewide to reduce costs, increase housing units, and combat homelessness.

“We want housing to do a lot of things, which makes this work so challenging and rewarding,” said Matthew Heckles, Director of DSHA. “It took years to create the problem we currently see, but I look forward to working with the Governor’s team toward a single vision implemented, over all agencies, the General Assembly, and our partners.”

###

About Delaware State Housing Authority 

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, provides 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.

Waitlist Opens for all Five PHA’s Following Consolidation of Lists

Delaware’s five public housing authorities announced that they will reopen their waitlists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs and low-income public housing which will be accessible at https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com on February 3, 2025. Low-income public housing, which is funded by the federal government and managed locally, aims to provide rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to safe and suitable housing.

Participating housing authorities include:

1. Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
2. Dover Housing Authority (DHA)
3. New Castle County Housing Authority (NCCHA)
4. Newark Housing Authority (NHA)
5. Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA)

Beginning in October 2024, letters and emails were dispatched to applicants on the HCV and low-income housing waitlists of all five PHAs, instructing them to update their applications to retain their placement on the waitlists. Applicants were required to log in and revise their household income, family size, and contact information. The deadline for updates was extended to December 31, 2024, after the original deadline of November 22, 2024, saw limited participation. As of January 1, 2025, a 13% response rate has been recorded, leading to a reduction in the number of the waitlist participants.

This statewide initiative introduced a streamlined system allowing applicants to manage updates, submit changes, and review their status using one centralized platform.          

“The reopening of the public housing waitlist marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address Delaware’s housing crisis. By making the waitlist available once again, to more Delawareans for the first time in many years, we are reaffirming our commitment to improving the processes for our state’s residents,” said Cynthia Karnai, Director of DSHA.

“We are proud to be part of this historic decision to open the waitlists, creating an incredible opportunity to provide safe, affordable housing for families across Delaware. This is a milestone in our mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Marene Jordan, Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority.

“Being part of this historic moment to open the waiting lists is a tremendous honor. It reflects our commitment to serving the people of Delaware and providing the housing opportunities they deserve,” said Assunta Scarpitti, Administrator, New Castle County Housing Authority.

Colleagues at Delaware 211 said, “This partnership will enhance the delivery of services to Delawareans by utilizing the Delaware 211 Helpline, powered by United Way of Delaware, as a centralized access point for a wide range of additional needs. By serving as a one-stop-shop, Delaware 211 will not only connect individuals for this project’s immediate needs but also address broader social services. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support, addressing multiple aspects of their well-being in one place. Through this collective impact model, the partners are committed to improving the overall quality of life for Delaware’s residents, creating a stronger, more connected community.”

Any applicant that didn’t update their application that wishes to reinstate their placement via appeal may visit https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com or call toll-free at (855) 301-5920 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 also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build 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

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) are excited to announce that a combined total of $1.45 million has been awarded to selected nonprofit organizations to support initiatives in Delaware that lead to stable housing for individuals and families who are homeless or determined to be at-risk of homelessness.

Home4Good grants in Delaware are supported by the following FHLBank member financial institutions: Artisans’ Bank; Community Powered Federal Credit Union; County Bank; Dover Federal Credit Union; First Citizens Community Bank; Fulton Bank; Life Insurance Company of North America Millers Capital Insurance Company; New York Life Insurance & Annuity Company; Orrstown Bank and PNC Bank, National Association.

Home4Good was established by FHLBank and has been combined with DSHA funds to combat homelessness with the support of FHLBank member financial institutions. The funding is distributed as grants to organizations that help individuals retain or find housing, provide supportive services, or address other unmet needs within the existing homeless provider network. Home4Good is one of several ways that FHLBank partners with its members to provide needed funding and support communities.

The funding will be used to address four key areas: homelessness prevention, homelessness diversion, rapid re-housing, and innovation. 16 programs from 11 organizations will receive funding. These organizations include:

• AIDS Delaware
• Brandywine Counseling and Community Services
• Catholic Charities, Inc.
• Delaware HIV Services
• Family Promise of Northern NCC
• Lutheran Community Services, Inc.
• Ministry of Caring, Inc.
• The Salvation Army Delaware
• West End Neighborhood House, Inc.
• YMCA of Delaware
• YWCA Delaware, Inc.

“At DSHA, we have seen firsthand how these Home4Good grants improve the lives of Delaware families,” said DSHA Director, Cynthia Karnai. “We are excited about this new infusion of funds and hope they empower nonprofits to think creatively about addressing homelessness and leveraging additional resources.”

“Through partnership with DSHA, FHLBank members provided $875,000 this year to more than a dozen Delaware programs/projects,” said FHLBank President and Chief Executive Officer, David G. Paulson. “These combined funds directly benefit local service organizations helping those experiencing homelessness.”

“Home4Good grant funding provides crucial relief to vulnerable households at risk of losing their homes due to sudden loss of income, job layoffs, medical emergencies, rising rent costs, and more. This funding enables Catholic Charities to extend our mission of compassionately serving all people in their times of vulnerability and offer services to alleviate human suffering. Home4Good financial assistance offers clients a lifeline, and a chance to stabilize their housing situation, reduce stress, and prevent displacement. This assistance strengthens the larger community by fostering stability, promoting a healthier, secure environment for all, and ensuring that no one has to face the fear of losing their home,” said Porsha Harvey, Senior Program Manager, Basic Needs of Catholic Charities, Inc.

“The Ministry of Caring is truly grateful and appreciative of the work we are able to do because of the Home4Good award,” said Michael P. Sullivan, Director of Rapid Re-Housing, Job Placement Center, Distribution Center & Emmanuel Dining Rooms of the Ministry of Caring, Inc.

 “These funds provide the Ministry with the ability to house those who are homeless. The support we provide helps improve the lives of individuals and their children. As I always tell people, we in the field may do the leg work, but nothing will happen without the financial support provided by the Home4Good grant; thank you again for caring.”

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

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 also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development 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.

 The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is proud to celebrate the success of its Home Sweet Home for the Holiday program and allocation of $75 million to support 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with competitive interest rates.

Home Sweet Home for the Holidays offered $10,000 for down payment and closing costs assistance for homebuyers purchasing a home with a maximum sales price of $285,000. The temporary program assisted close to 40 Delaware families buy homes just in time for the holiday season.

The funding was provided in the form of a zero-interest forgivable second loan. Each year the homeowner(s) resides in the subject property as their primary residence, the loan balance will decrease by 10% up to year 10. The loan will be forgiven after 10 years with the verification the homeowner(s) has resided in the subject property as their primary residence.

“We know from our Housing Needs Assessment that the upfront costs for a down payment and closing on a home are a major barrier to achieving homeownership,” said Cynthia Karnai, Director of DSHA. “Recognizing that, our team continues to develop impactful programs to help transform these families’ dreams of homeownership into reality.”

DSHA’s 2023 Housing Needs Assessment found that government-backed mortgages are essential for many non-White households to attain homeownership: 58% of Black households and 41% of Hispanic households utilized government-backed mortgages.

While the Home for Sweet Home for the Holidays program is temporary, DSHA provides alternative down payment and closing cost assistance programs, as well as a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, to first-time and repeat homebuyers year round.   

These programs are funded by a $75 million “single-family” bond deal. As the state’s housing finance agency, DSHA can issue bonds and notes. The bond funding makes it possible to offer competitive mortgage interest rates—in some cases as low as 5.25%.

The agency’s previous bond deal, which closed in April 2024, assisted approximately 480 families. DSHA plans to create more opportunities for homeownership via these bond deals in 2025.

“Meridian Bank’s partnership with DSHA and the continued availability of the Welcome Home Program at below market rates provided countless homebuyers an opportunity to purchase their first home in 2024 despite rising housing costs and increased interest rates.  In many cases, buyers would not have been able to afford a home if not for the program.  We appreciate DSHA’s commitment to providing resources that enhance home affordability, particularly among low- and moderate-income homebuyers who may have thought homeownership was out of reach in the current market,” said Joe Boffa, Branch Manager of Meridian Bank.

Buyers participating in the programs must meet eligibility requirements for DSHA’s homeownership loan programs, including income limits and credit score (620 minimum). Income limits for these programs can be found on DSHA’s homeownership website: https://kissyourlandlordgoodbye.com/. 

DSHA also offers financial counseling through HUD-approved housing counselors to help potential homebuyers improve their credit scores and reach homeownership. A list of housing counseling agencies can be found on the website: https://kissyourlandlordgoodbye.com/housing-counselors/.

The programs are available statewide, and DSHA will continue working with participating lenders to serve homeowners. See the complete lender list here: https://kissyourlandlordgoodbye.com/lenders/.

About Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority(DSHA), formed in 1968, provides 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.

After Leveraging Over $400 Million In Private Investment, The City of Wilmington Extends Its Downtown Development District Designation for An Additional Five Years

Dover, Del. November 20, 2024 – Today, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC), City of Wilmington, and community development partners gathered at the Delaware Historical Society (DHS) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Development District (DDD) Rebate Program and the City of Wilmington’s successful designation renewal.

• spur private capital investment in commercial business districts and other neighborhoods;
• stimulate job growth and improve the commercial vitality of our cities and towns, and
• help build a stable community of long-term residents in our downtowns and other neighborhoods.

“The Downtown Development Districts Act has spurred investments and renovations in communities across the First State over the past ten years,” said Governor John Carney. “I’m proud of how this program has grown, and the impact it has had on Delaware’s cities, towns, and residents. I want to thank the Delaware State Housing Authority, our municipalities, our investors, and all of our partners who have helped make this program so successful.”

The City of Wilmington was one of the first municipalities to receive a DDD designation in 2015. Over the past decade, Wilmington has leveraged the DDD program to transform 249 acres of its downtown areas into a premier live, work, and play destination. Completed projects have produced over 1,200 new residential units, 688 new jobs, 29 retail businesses, five entertainment options, and three hotels with 254 hotel rooms.

These projects were funded with over $400 million in private investment, resulting in $24 million in DDD rebates to qualified investors. After a thorough review by DSHA and OSPC, the City’s DDD designation application was renewed for another 5 years.

“We are proud to have been selected as one of the first cities in Delaware to receive a Downtown Development District designation ten years ago,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “This has been a game changer in many ways, enabling us to revitalize and transform our downtown in ways that were hardly imaginable before 2015. Market Street, in particular, has finally arrived and is showing off its immense potential. And in addition to the many new businesses that have opened in that time span, with the hundreds of jobs they’ve created, there are now thousands of people living downtown, which has not only helped to expand our tax base but has created a sense of vitality and excitement that continues to spread throughout the entire City.”

DHS was selected as the venue for this celebration because of the organization’s commitment to preserving significant historical structures on Market Street, which led to receiving a $200,753 DDD funding reservation this year.

The program is simple. Qualified investors —including small business owners, developers, and homeowners — with eligible planned or completed property investments in one of the 12 districts receive a 20% rebate on exterior, interior, and structural improvements.

For example, an investor making $45,000 worth of qualifying investments in a district would be entitled to a DDD grant of up to $4,000. Property investments can include new construction, renovation, adaptive reuse of vacant buildings, and preserving significant historical structures.

“DDD isn’t just about buildings; it’s about people,” said David Edgell, Director of OSPC. “DDD rebate recipients are not just beneficiaries; they are part of a support network and receive supplemental partner incentives from municipal governments and non-profit partners. This additional support is our way of showing appreciation for their commitment to the program.”

Local city and town managers in the 12 districts also receive training from DDD partners like DSHA, OSPC, and the Division of Small Business, as well as online resources, marketing material, and coaching to support their ongoing revitalization efforts.

The 12 DDD Districts are Dover, Wilmington, Seaford, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Milford, Smyrna, City of New Castle, Clayton, Delaware City, and Middletown. Dover and Seaford were the other two municipalities that received a designation in 2015. DSHA, OSPC, and partners will host similar celebrations in each city in the coming weeks.

“DSHA is proud to administer the DDD program. Its success is a collective achievement we can all take pride in seeing within our communities,” said Cynthia Karnai, Director of DSHA. “We know that administration is only a portion of the equation and look forward to celebrating each district’s fantastic work and achievements as OSPC and DSHA receive more designations renewals in the future.” 

Funding for the DDD Rebate Program is limited. Large project reservation applications, which are projects that cost more than $350,000, are due to DSHA by 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2025. Small project reservation applications, which cost between $25,000 and $350,000, are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability.

For more information on the DDD Rebate program, please visit https://www.destatehousing.com/build/ddd-program/.

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 also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build 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.