$3 Million Available To Assist With Home Repairs Throughout Delaware

Dover, Del., August 7, 2023 – The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) today announced a partnership with all three Habitat for Humanity organizations in Delaware to administer a $3 million grant program to help eligible Delaware homeowners who need to make critical home repairs, but have been unable to because of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Delaware Homeowner Assistance Fund (DEHAF) Home Repair Program grant for each household is capped at $20,000. Eligibility requirements include: 

• household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)

• the property must be the homeowner’s primary residence
• the financial hardship must have occurred after January 21, 2020
• the property must be a single-family, detached or attached home or townhouse, a one-to-four-unit single-family condominium, or a mobile or manufactured home.  

The program is intended to address conditions severe enough that, for health or safety reasons, would involuntarily displace the homeowner from the property. Repair work to be done could include:

• pest abatement;
• insulation installation;
• mold and mildew remediation;
• asbestos and lead paint removal;
• heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing repairs;
• structural issues such as roof, floor, stairway, porch, and window repairs or replacement;
• and the repair, replacement, or installation of accessibility aids such as hand railings, ramps, grab bars and wider doorways.

Homeowners can apply for the DEHAF Home Repair Program grant through their local Habitat for Humanity. Delaware’s three Habitat for Humanity organizations—Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity— will initiate the application process and obtain required documentation from their respective counties, determine eligibility, and oversee repair work for accepted applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the $3 million runs out.

“We are grateful to DSHA for the opportunity to serve more families impacted by COVID through these Homeowner Assistance Funds. Helping individuals and families sustain the homeownership they have worked so hard to obtain is one of our key programs. Our programs build strength, stability, and self-reliance,” said Kevin L. Smith, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

“Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity extends its sincere gratitude for partnering with the three Habitat Affiliates in Delaware for this critical program. Serving the vulnerable population is our greatest priority and this funding will ensure much-needed support to those impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. We believe in a world where everyone has a decent and safe place to call home,” said Timothy Bailey, CEO, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity.

The program, tied into DSHA’s Delaware Mortgage Relief Program (DEMRP), is funded by the Homeowner Assistance Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act, which the U.S. Treasury Department distributed to the state of Delaware. The $50 million received is being administered by DSHA and will be available until 2025 or until funds run out, whichever occurs first.

“This funding focused on home repairs is an important step in addressing the housing crisis throughout the state of Delaware,” said Kevin Gilmore, CEO of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. “The need for this type of program in immense. More than 25,000 owner-occupied homes are in need of repairs in the state. Sussex County Habitat is looking forward to utilizing the funding to help families in our county.”

“Repairs are a part of owning a home; however, when those repairs threaten the safety, peace of mind, and stability of families, something must be done immediately,” said DSHA Director Eugene Young, Jr. “One of DSHA’s main priorities is to keep families in their homes, and we’re proud to partner with Delaware’s Habitats so that families across the state will no longer have to face the possibility of leaving the communities they call home.”

The Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP), also DSHA-funded, is managed by Milford Housing Development Corporation and is an additional ongoing program available to homeowners. For more information, please call (302) 491-4010 or toll-free at (844) 413-0038.

About the 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 because it serves as a Public Housing Authority in Kent and Sussex County and a Community Development and Planning Agency. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (302) 739-4263 or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com.

About Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity

Since 1990, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) has built 80 affordable homes for individuals and families in-need in Kent County, DE. CDHFH has also served more than 500 households through critical repair, aging-in-place, and other housing and counseling programs. A key component in Habitat for Humanity’s global mission is bringing people together. In the last 33 years, CDHFH has brought more than 30,000 volunteers together to serve on build sites and in the ReStore, all in support of affordable housing solutions.

About Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC) celebrated 37 years of impact in June of 2023. To date, HFHNCC has built or renovated over 300 homes and served over 1,000 families. Committed to changing lives and landscapes, HFHNCC provides affordable housing solutions for hard working, low-income families. Habitat engages residents in improving their neighborhoods, provides free critical home repairs to preserve existing homeownership, conducts financial literacy and home maintenance education for families in our homeownership program and builds affordable housing.

About Sussex County Habitat for Humanity
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. For more information or to donate, visit SussexCountyHabitat.org.

At the Simonds Gardens Rain Garden in New Castle are, left to right: Rain Garden Project Manager Andre Wilburn, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County; New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer; Simonds Gardens Civic Association President Jaywann Saunders; Jaywanna Saunders and Rob Butler, Simonds Gardens Civic Association; HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith; and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. DNREC photo.

On July 5, representatives from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC), New Castle County and the community of Simonds Gardens gathered to celebrate the completion of a project that transformed a vacant lot into an oasis of green in the city. Highlighting the new rain garden were DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and Jaywann Saunders of the Simonds Gardens Civic Association.

A week and a half before, on June 25, Habitat hosted a “Rock the Block” event in which volunteers from DNREC and HFH joined community members on the New Castle County-owned 50’x80’ lot to plant a rain garden and install new park benches to invite residents to sit and enjoy the newly-created green space. The project was also supported by a community grant from DNREC and the lot was provided by New Castle County.

“DNREC has a strong commitment to ensuring that all Delawareans, especially those in underserved areas, have equal access to green spaces where residents of all ages can enjoy being outdoors,” said Secretary Garvin. “Rain gardens not only allow the growth of green spaces without the need for watering or regular maintenance, they absorb excess water and can reduce flash flooding, which is especially important in city communities like Simonds Gardens with predominately impervious surfaces.”

“We’re thrilled with the impact Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has made in the Simonds Gardens neighborhood, and we’re excited to be a partner in this new venture,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “Positive outcomes will occur when we put our collective minds and hearts together for our communities.”

“From helping Habitat for Humanity with brownfield remediation on 52 homes in Wilmington, to now assisting with an environmental beautification project in Simonds Gardens, DNREC has been an outstanding partner with us helping us improve the lives of families and communities through housing and neighborhood engagement activities,” said Kevin L. Smith, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

“On behalf of the Simonds Gardens Civic Association, we would like to thank Habitat for another successful project and great partnership over the years and for helping us change our community for the better good,” said Jaywann Saunders, president of the Simonds Garden Civic Association.

Last year, DNREC awarded the Simonds Gardens community a $25,000 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) grant that supported Habitat’s Rock the Block events, as well as home energy efficiency toolkits and education. The CEPF grant program was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2004 to fund restoration projects in communities impacted by environmental pollution. Grant funding is available to affected communities for projects that result in reduced pollution, enhanced natural resources and enhanced recreational opportunities. More information is available at de.gov/cepf.

The Simonds Gardens Rock the Block event is HFHNCC’s sixth neighborhood revitalization event since July 2021, with more scheduled across Wilmington this fall and in the spring of 2023. Sponsorships and grants are needed to fund the growing need to transform Wilmington communities, one block at a time, one park at a time.

Habitat for Humanity NCC is seeking volunteers for upcoming Rock the Block events. For more information, contact Andre Wilburn at awilburn@habitatncc.org and register as a volunteer at www.habitatncc.org/volunteer.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

About Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC) celebrates 35 years of impact in 2021. To date, HFHNCC has built 256 homes and served over 600 families. Committed to changing lives and landscapes, HFHNCC provides affordable housing solutions for hard working, low-income families. Habitat engages residents in improving their neighborhoods, provides free critical home repairs to preserve existing homeownership, conducts financial literacy and home maintenance education for families in our homeownership program and builds affordable housing.

Media Contacts: DNREC, Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Habitat for Humanity NCC, Kathi Barber, KBarber@habitatncc.org

At the announcement Thursday morning at Rose Hill Community Center near New Castle (from left): Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County CEO Kevin L. Lewis, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Chief Administrator Cynthia Mercer, DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith, state Representative Franklin Cooke, state Senator Darius Brown, DSAAPD Deputy Director Brian Bayley, and Julie P. Devlin, Executive Assistant to the DSAAPD Director.

Healthy Homes Program Will Begin in Route 9 Corridor

NEW CASTLE (May 19, 2022) – During Older Americans Month, the Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) on Thursday announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County to support its Healthy Homes Program as a way to support older Delawareans to age safely in their own homes.

DSAAPD will provide funding to allow Habitat for Humanity to expand Healthy Homes to older Delawareans as part of a pilot in New Castle County. Healthy Homes addresses home health hazards in order to keep homes dry, clean, ventilated, pest-free, contaminant-free and maintained. The program helps low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances reclaim their homes with pride and dignity.

The pilot, which will begin in the Route 9 Corridor just south of Wilmington, was announced Thursday during an event at the Rose Hill Community Center near New Castle. Officials said the pilot will help gauge the need for funding for similar services in central Delaware and Sussex County. A state senator who represents the pilot area was instrumental in bringing the possibility of such a partnership to Delaware.

“Our progress as a state can be measured by how we treat our most vulnerable residents,” said state Senator Darius Brown, D-Wilmington. “With 1 in 5 Delawareans over the age of 65, we have a responsibility to make sure the people who raised us, who provided for us and who worked hard to create a better world for us to inherit are well taken care of in their senior years,” he said. “I want to thank the Delaware Division of Aging and Habitat for Humanity for answering the call with a creative, community-focused partnership that will provide direct care to our most vulnerable seniors where they need it most – right in their own homes. I look forward to seeing older residents in the Route 9 Corridor get the helping hand they deserve, and I hope to see this program expanded to other deserving seniors elsewhere in our state very soon.”

“Supporting older Delawareans in their pursuit to age with health and independence in the community of their choice is a priority of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities,” said DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith. “This partnership with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County is a critical step in supporting Delawareans to safely age in their homes and communities by offering much-needed minor home repairs to help make that happen.”

“Habitat for Humanity is just as focused and concerned with sustaining homeownership as it is on creating new homeownership opportunities,” said Kevin L. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. “We appreciate this new partnership with the State of Delaware to help seniors age in place and stay in their homes.”

The pilot will target:
• Low-income Delawareans aged 60 and older.
• Individuals who own home or have approval of the homeowner.
• Accessibility, safety, and minor home repairs.
• Residents in New Castle County starting in the Route 9 Corridor area, working with community partners to identify participants.

The following are examples of Healthy Homes services that may be available through this project:
• Sidewalk or step repair
• Wheelchair ramps
• Carpet removal for people with asthma
• Energy-efficiency services
• High-height toilets
• Grab bar installation
• Smoke detector installation
• Pest removal

Before the pilot program launches officially, individuals 60 or older in need of minor home repair services in the Route 9 Corridor should call Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County at 302-652-0365 to start the application, or the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-223-9074 for more information.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Georgetown, DE – Attorney General Beau Biden joined a group of two dozen staff and family members from the Attorney General’s Office Saturday, July 27th to roll up their sleeves and show their support for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Build Home in Georgetown Point.  The home is being built and funded by local Veterans and Veterans groups for Mari Ellyn Hellard, a disabled US Air Force Veteran and her two sons Joseph and Joshua.  As a member of the Army National Guard who was deployed to Iraq with the First State’s 261^st Signal Brigade, Biden worked a shift alongside other volunteers to put down flooring to prepare for upcoming tile work and installing vinyl siding.

Attorney General Beau Biden helps other volunteers laying down backboard in the Veteran’s Build Home

“Our staff and I were privileged to spend some time this weekend with Mari Ellyn and her family and to lend a hand to the construction of their beautiful new home,” Biden said.  “I want to thank Habitat for Humanity and our dedicated veteran’s organizations for their commitment to her and for meeting the needs of so many other members of our community.”

As the volunteers gathered together Saturday for a photo with the Hellard family, Tom Protack, Community Engagement Director for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, shared Habitat’s Mission, “Today we are putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.  Your presence today and willingness to lift a hammer to help gives Mari Ellyn and other Habitat Partner Families the hope they need to have better lives with a simple, decent and affordable home.”  Biden added, “We’re sending a clear message to service men and women around the world, those on active duty and those retired, that our nation honors their sacrifice and they are a vital part of our community.”

Attorney General Beau Biden with Mari Ellyn Hellard and her two sons Joseph and Joshua
Biden was joined on Saturday by his wife and two children, including his daughter, Natalie, who presented a bracelet she made to Mari Ellyn. As part of a Habitat tradition, Biden family members signed the studs of the walls and wrote messages of thanks and support to the Hellard family that will be there forever.

If you would like to participate in Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s work by donating, volunteering or participating in future events surrounding the Veteran Build Project, contact Habitat at 302-855-1153 or visit www.sussexcountyhabitat.org.

In his weekly message, Governor Jack Markell salutes our veterans. He also pays tribute to others who serve, in particular, the P-T-A, the teachers and parents who are working together to help our kids succeed.

“There are many ways to serve,” said the Governor. “For hundreds of years, so many Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice. They put their lives on the line to join our armed forces – defending our nation and earning along the way the noble title of Veteran. That service is remembered with particular reverence and honor this Veterans Day.”

Tomorrow, on Veteran’s Day, the Governor will join with Veterans and others at a special Veterans Day Service at the War Memorial Plaza at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. This weekend also marks the Delaware Parent Teacher Association’s 100^th Annual Convention.

“Few organizations have worked as hard or have dedicated as many hours to making Delaware schools even stronger,” said the Governor. “We know that great teachers do so much to help kids succeed. But parental involvement plays an enormous part in whether a child graduates ready and able to take on the world. That critical connection between parents and teachers ensures that’s what taught in the classroom is reinforced at home, and helps ensure that kids arrive at their classroom, ready to learn and ready to lead. PTA members like to say ‘children are 25-percent of our present, but 100-percent of our future.’”

About the Governor’s Weekly Message:
At noon every Friday, a new video message is posted to the Governor’s website and YouTube channel and is distributed to Delaware media outlets.   Transcripts of the messages are posted and the audio version of the Governor’s message is available on iTunes as a podcast for distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.   The Governor’s weekly message is currently being carried on the air and posted on websites by various media outlets, and the direct link is:http://youtu.be/RJdtaWO9PyQ.

Constituents, media outlets and others are free to link to the Governor’s video message on YouTube –http://www.youtube.com/user/GovernorMarkell – or on his Facebook page – www.facebook.com/governormarkell – or on the Delaware State website at http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml.  All are also invited to follow him on Twitter – www.twitter.com/governormarkell – and submit ideas throughhttp://ideas.delaware.gov.

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message.