DSHA and Habitat Grow Help for Homeowners

Delaware State Housing Authority’s Collaborative Initiative to Aid Homeowners Affected by COVID-19

Introduction
In a concerted effort to assist homeowners grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Habitat for Humanity organizations across the state. Through a $3 million grant program named the Delaware Homeowner Assistance Fund (DEHAF) Home Repair Program, eligible homeowners can access financial aid for critical home repairs, addressing the pressing needs exacerbated by the pandemic’s economic strain.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DEHAF Home Repair Program, homeowners must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Household income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income (AMI).
• The property must serve as the homeowner’s primary residence.
• Financial hardships must have emerged after January 21, 2020.
• Eligible properties encompass various housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and mobile or manufactured homes.

Income Thresholds in Sussex County
Income thresholds for eligibility in Sussex County vary based on the number of individuals within the household, ranging from $49,800 for a single person to $93,900 for eight people.

Scope of Assistance
The DEHAF Home Repair Program aims to address critical home repair needs that jeopardize the health and safety of homeowners. These repairs may include:

• Pest abatement
• Insulation installation
• Mold and mildew remediation
• Asbestos and lead paint removal
• Essential repairs to heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems
• Structural enhancements such as roof, floor, stairway, porch, and window repairs or replacements
• Installation or repair of accessibility aids like hand railings, ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways.

Application Process
Homeowners can initiate the application process by contacting their local Habitat for Humanity branch. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity will manage the application process, ascertain eligibility, and supervise repair works for accepted applications. Applications will be accepted continuously until the $3 million fund is depleted.

Testimonials and Acknowledgements
Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, and Timothy Bailey, CEO of Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, express gratitude for the partnership and emphasize the program’s significance in aiding vulnerable homeowners impacted by the pandemic.

Funding and Long-Term Initiatives
Funded by the Homeowner Assistance Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act, administered by the U.S. Treasury Department, the DEHAF Home Repair Program aligns with DSHA‘s broader efforts, including the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program (DEMRP). With a total allocation of $50 million, the program will remain available until 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

Eugene Young Jr., Director of DSHA, underscores the importance of keeping families in their homes and commends the partnership with Habitat for Humanity in ensuring housing stability for Delaware communities.

Additional Support and Resources
In addition to the DEHAF Home Repair Program, homeowners can avail themselves of the Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP), managed by the Milford Housing Development Corporation, offering ongoing assistance to homeowners in need.

Conclusion
The collaboration between DSHA and Habitat for Humanity organizations epitomizes a concerted effort to provide tangible support to homeowners facing financial hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through targeted financial assistance and collaborative initiatives, Delaware aims to safeguard the stability and well-being of its residents, ensuring that no homeowner is left behind in the journey toward recovery and resilience.