Habitat receives $1.8 million federal grant

Thanks to a $1.86 million federal congressionally directed spending grant, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity will be able to build an additional 15 affordable homes throughout the county.

Sen. Tom Carper joined with members of Sussex County Council and staff, congressional and Habitat staff and families Aug. 13, to make the announcement at Habitat’s Jeremiah House in downtown Georgetown.

He, along with Sen. Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, was able to secure the funds.

“I remember my parents’ joy and pride on owning their first house. People need a decent place to live and a roof over their heads. We will work with Habitat to stretch these dollars,” Carper said.

He said he and his wife, Martha, are major supporters of Habitat. “They are doing the Lord’s work,” he added.

“Homeownership strengthens families and communities, and creates the possibility of building generational wealth,” Carper said. “Through funding that our delegation supported in American Rescue Plan Act, and this new $1.8 million congressionally directed spending grant, Sussex County will now have hundreds more affordable housing options for residents.”

“Delaware faces a crisis stemming from the lack of safe, secure, affordable housing,” Coons said. “We need to continue to take action at the federal level to ensure we address this issue, and supporting and partnering with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity ensures we’re empowering the organizations who know the problem best to solve it.”

“I continue to hear from Delawareans across our state that one of the biggest challenges facing residents is access to safe, reliable and affordable housing,” said Blunt Rochester. “It’s why I’ve been laser-focused on bringing federal dollars back to Delaware to create more available and affordable housing units throughout our state.”

Gilmore: Build on success

Sussex Habitat Executive Director Kevin Gilmore said with the grant, Habitat will be able to build 15 new homes and also fund a new HVAC system for its Jeremiah House, which provides emergency housing for families waiting to move into their new homes. It also contains offices and space for Americorps volunteers.

“When we start building in a neighborhood, other people also build or improve their properties,” Gilmore said.

The mission of Habitat is: “Seeking to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build houses, communities and hope.”

Habitat has projects in Seaford, Selbyville and Laurel, and recently purchased nine properties in Milford.

“Each new homeowner is a success story and brings us one step closer to resolving the affordable housing crisis. Let’s continue to build on these successes,” Gilmore said.

“We really need to scale it up and do more, using our expertise and more layering of funding,” Gilmore said.

Owning a home leads to neighborhood stabilization and employment, Gilmore said.

Sussex tackles the issue

Sussex County Director of Community Development and Housing Brandy Nauman said the county has a long partnership working with Habitat. She said the county has initiated programs to address the affordable housing issue.

“Habitat’s advocacy is instrumental to serve those in need,” she said.

Earlier this summer, Sussex County government announced its third disbursement of grants from the Sussex County Housing Trust Fund to four nonprofit housing organizations thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, legislation championed by Carper, Coons and Blunt Rochester. This round of $1.6 million brings the total funding to $6.1 million over the past three years and, with this round, Sussex County will have created or preserved 250 affordable housing units. The nonprofits awarded this funding are Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, Homes for America, CHEER and the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation.

How Habitat works

Potential Habitat homeowners undergo an extensive application process and must have a steady income and the ability to pay a not-for-profit affordable mortgage. The mortgage can be no more than 30% of household gross monthly income, and an applicant’s debt-to-income ratio must be no more than 43% of gross income.

Other requirements include employment in Sussex County, investment of 200 to 350 hours of sweat equity working on their home, a deposit of at least $3,000 in closing costs and paying off any delinquent debt before settlement.

Homeowners must fall under the 60% threshold of the Sussex County area median income, which is $52,800 for family of three and $58,620 for family four, for example.

They must also attend monthly pre-purchase education courses and financial coaching services.

Sussex Habitat also operate its ReStore on Route 9 west of Lewes, provides home repairs, energy-efficient upgrades, financial literacy and neighborhood revitalization.

BY THE NUMBERS

2,000 volunteer hours to build a house

Houses have been built for 680 individuals and 443 children

188 new homes

450 home repairs