Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC) named as 1 of 2 of 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work in the Delaware community removing economic barriers and advancing economic opportunity. Habitat received a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the executive director, and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management, and strategic storytelling. Awardees also join a network of peer organizations across the U.S. and get the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment in nonprofit leadership development.
In December, we announced the completion of a Healthy Homes Needs Assessment which underscores the role of housing repair in addressing the state’s escalating affordable housing shortage. To read the full report, click here.
This past year, we had our biggest Giving Tuesday to date! With the help of our supporters, we raised over $6,000!
The Prices Corner ReStore, one of the largest in the region (30,000 sq. ft), sells secondhand furniture, home goods, tools, building materials, appliances and more at 25% and more off comparable prices. Although over 90% of items have been donated by individuals and businesses in New Castle County, the ReStores also sell new paint, paint supplies, and bedding priced below typical retail. HFHNCC also operates a ReStore at 600 N. Broad St. in Middletown. Proceeds from ReStore sales help fund HFHNCC’s programs and cover administrative and fundraising expenses. Along with Habitat homeowner mortgage payments, the ReStore is a sustainable funding source for the organization. “Ten years ago, we had the desire to expand our ReStore operations, and we were fortunate to find this location in Prices Corner. The new location saw immediate results as sales shot up by 30%. For the past eight (8) year we have achieved $1,000,000 in sales year over year.”
Staff kicked off the holidays at 101 Wildel Avenue in New Castle, DE. Over 15 HFHNCC staff members spent the day finishing the foundation and beginning the framework for the home of prospective homeowner Rasheena Henry.
On September 15th, we welcomed over 120 golfers at Hartefeld National to raise money to build affordable homes. While spending the day outside playing golf, guests were able to enjoy sharing their love of Habitat NCC. To learn more about our Annual Golf Outing, click here.
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County believes that Housing Opens Possibilities Everywhere (H.O.P.E) and in August we launched our new podcast – H.O.P.E. New episodes are available on the 15th of the month on all major streaming apps. Each new episode highlights our impact in New Castle County, Delaware as we continue to build homes, communities, and hope.
Volunteers from partner organizations DNREC and Simonds Gardens Civic Association, as well as staff and board members from HFHNCC, joined community residents to transform the vacant lot into comfortable sitting areas with new park benches. The group also installed a rain garden, which helps to protect homes from flooding and water damage and allows for the growth of green spaces without the need for watering, moving, or regular maintenance.
Through this initiative, we focused on transforming a vacant lot with green infrastructure for the health and well-being of Simonds Gardens and community residents. The Simonds Gardens Rock the Block is HFHNCC’s sixth neighborhood revitalization event since July 2021.
Senator Carper and Representative Blunt Rochester Announced $1.5 Million for Affordable Housing in Wilmington., Habitat NCC CEO, Kevin Smith, was joined by Senator Tom Carper and U.S Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester to announce $1.5 million for Affordable Housing. Two new developments in Wilmington that will benefit from this funding include Sankofa Place, located on Southbridge, and Bennett Point, located at 900 Bennett Street.
In May, HFHNCC, along with the other two HFHs in Delaware, received the highest award at the Multiplying Good Awards Ceremony – the Legacy Award. Multiplying Good is associated with the Jefferson Awards, and annually recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Delaware community.
In addition, the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) partnered with Habitat to launch a new pilot program aimed at keeping senior citizens in their homes, longer.