Habitat plans revitalization project
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity has embarked on one of the most ambitious projects in its history. On Nov. 29, volunteers, Habitat staff, families and officials gathered for a blessing of the new Kimmeytown Revitalization Project in downtown Georgetown.
Habitat CEO Kevin Gilmore said the project has been in the planning stages for several years as properties were acquired. He said the project will include 11 new affordable homes to be constructed starting in 2023. A renovated home will be completed in March.
“This is not only a kickoff for home construction, it’s a community coming together to change things,” he said. “This project has been a lot of hard work and a lot of people coming together, as well as with God’s grace.”
Nine families are in the Habitat home ownership program and will occupy nine of the homes. Five of the homes will be built on the Habitat complex surrounded by Kimmey, East North, East King and Rosa streets, which also includes the Jeremiah House, a building to house visiting Habitat volunteers and provide temporary apartments for families awaiting home construction.
Other homes will be built on Tracy, King, and Rosa streets.
“Some of the families have become close friends and have built bonds that will last a lifetime,” said Kenya Neal, Habitat homeowner support manager, as she introduced families at the event.
Two family members spoke during the ceremony. Desirae Williams, whose mother also lives in a Habitat home, said the ups and downs have been worth it. “They are all like family to me now. I can’t wait to move in,” she said.
Christian Mendoza, who will live in the renovated home with his fiancee Samantha and child, said they have been involved in the home ownership program since last May. “We are grateful for all the work done to make our home,” he said.
Homeowners in the Habitat program must provide at least 500 hours of volunteer service. Those who qualify can get a low- or no-interest mortgage through Habitat, which partners with local lenders.
Since being formed in 1991, Sussex Habitat has served more than 2,750 individuals and built or rehabbed more than 165 homes.
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity in 2021: 76 home repairs; 24 skirts installed on manufactured homes; 123 energy-efficient refrigerators delivered to low-income residents; more than 390 volunteers provided more than 15,000 hours of volunteer service on home construction and at the Habitat Restore shop on Route 9 near Lewes; and provided more than 870 hours of financial coaching helping 740 individuals.
