Sussex housing department works to save homes
The importance of the work done by the Sussex County Community Development and Housing Department to preserve housing can't be overstated.
Using millions of dollars through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, the department has been able to to make housing repairs to keep thousands of low- to moderate-income county residents in their homes.
Director Brad Whaley provided an update on the program during a public hearing at the Feb. 2 Sussex County Council meeting.
“I'm so impressed with what you have done,” said District 5 Councilman John Rieley of Millsboro. “We have a moral duty to continue this program. From the pragmatic side, it's very cost effective in protecting affordable housing stock in Sussex County. I would support significantly more funding for this department.”
Over the past five years, county staff has administered the expenditure of $8.8 million in federal and county funds to assist 759 households and 1,596 residents. Completed projects include housing rehabilitation, emergency repairs, and sewer and water hookups.
Not only does county staff coordinate work in the unincorporated areas of the county, but it also works with municipalities.
Even with the program’s success, there are more than 1,300 households on a waiting list.
To qualify for the program, residents must: meet income requirements, own their homes, have insurance, and have paid their taxes.
In fiscal year 2019, Sussex County received $1.6 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding, assisting 151 low- to moderate-income households. Of those households, 65 percent were occupied by elderly homeowners; 64 percent had disabled residents; 63 percent were female-headed; and 58 percent were minorities. Whaley said 70 percent of the work was done by minority- and/or veteran-owned contractors.
In fiscal year 2020, which is still in progress, 154 properties are scheduled for rehabilitation.
In fiscal year 2021, the department is seeking $1.9 million for 75 housing rehabilitation projects including 22 roof replacements, and 20 water and sewer hookups in the unincorporated areas, along with 54 housing rehabilitation projects in the county's cities and towns.
Sussex emergency funds
Sussex County Council has approved $250,000 in the budget for emergency housing repairs, the same it allotted last year. In fiscal year 2020, the money was used to assist 134 households, the highest number since the county started the fund in fiscal year 2013.
Emergency funds are used to assist households with no heat or running water, with leaking roofs, with electrical and plumbing issues, and/or in need of handicap accessibility. Prioritization is given to residents with disabilities, those age 65 and over, low-income residents and veterans.
Under the block grant program, qualified work is done on a first-come, first-served basis, Whaley said, but the county fund provides flexibility to do work that is needed quickly.
2009-20 expenditures
Rehabilitation, $2.4 million; hookups, $488,000; demolitions, $234,000; roof replacements, $312,000; emergency repairs, $453,000; and handicap-accessible projects, $144,000.
