Sussex department uses HUD funds to repair homes

One of the most successful programs to assist Sussex County residents with home repairs works outside the limelight on a daily basis to make a difference.

The Sussex County Community Development and Housing Department uses millions of dollars through the federal Community Development Block Grant program to make repairs to keep thousands of low- to moderate-income county residents in their homes.

Housing staff applies for federal funding on behalf of county municipalities and rural areas. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates funds to Sussex County through the Delaware State Housing Authority.

Funding can be used for housing rehabilitation, water and sewer hookups, demolitions and infrastructure projects. Housing rehabilitation includes new roofing, windows and doors, electrical and plumbing upgrades, as well as energy upgrades.

Each year, the county receives around $2 million in block grant funds. In addition, Sussex County Council allocates another $300,000 for emergency repairs.

During a presentation at the Feb. 6 county council meeting, Brandy Nauman, director of the department, said to qualify, households must be owner-occupied as a primary residence and must be insured. In addition, homeowners must be current on county tax and utility payments.

The program is available to low- and middle-income homeowners with incomes at 80% of the federally established area median yearly income, which equates to $49,800 for a single person, $64,000 for a family of three and $71,100 for a family of four.

Nauman said during the most recent close-out year in fiscal year 2021, 134 households with 262 people received assistance. She said 62% were elderly, 45% were disabled and 50% were female head of households.

The department also received $2 million in American Recovery Plan Act funding. The funds were used to complete 129 housing rehabilitation projects, which included roofing, weatherization and emergency repairs.

Emergency funds

The $300,000 from the county has assisted an average of 116 households over the past four years.

Nauman said priority groups for the funds include the disabled, homeowners over the age of 65, households over or below 30% of AMI and veterans.

Priority projects include houses with no running water or no heat, handicap accessibility and electrical and plumbing issues.

A long waiting list

Housing coordinator Mike Jones said while funding has been the most ever, rising construction costs have not allowed the program to expand.

In addition, he said, contractors who receive federal funding must have an additional license that has to be renewed each year.

“It’s another layer that some local guys don’t want to add. We’ve lost a few contractors,” Jones said.

Jones said there is a waiting list of more than 800 homeowners requesting repairs. “We need to address that waiting list,” he said.

This year, the department will spend less in its rural communities program and devote more funds to those on the waiting list.

Plans for this year

In fiscal year 2023, the department is requesting $2 million for work in the following towns: Bethel, Blades, Delmar, Ellendale, Frankford, Georgetown, Laurel, Milford, Milton, Seaford and Selbyville for a total of 38 housing rehabilitations.

And for 10 handicap accessibility projects, 11 emergency rehabilitations, 10 sewer/water hookups, 20 housing rehabilitations and 12 roofing projects in rural areas, including the targeted areas of Coverdale and Greentop.