2021 Annual Impact Report

home builds hope

welcome from our board president

It goes without saying that since early 2020, we have all been put to the test, navigating through the ever-changing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants on our lives. I am immensely proud of our Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County team for supporting each other and our operations through the pandemic and pivoting as needed by creating ways to continue to provide hope and affordable housing for families in New Castle County.

With your support, Habitat has been able to stay at the forefront of affordable homeownership for more than three decades, completing construction or renovation of over 280 homes in New Castle County. We remain steadfast in our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We are counting on your support now more than ever.

Read Chip Rossi's Full Letter

home builds equity

Habitat sits at the intersection of housing and race. Homeownership is the primary way families build wealth and equity that can be passed on to future generations. However, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) have been kept from purchasing homes and building equity due to racist housing policies. Our affordable homeownership opportunities provide a hand up for families that have been systemically discriminated against.

***While we focus on creating equitable housing solutions for BIPOC, we recognize that affordable housing is a GLOBAL issue and are committed to the vision that EVERYONE deserves a decent place to live regardless of age, race, ethnic origin, gender identity, or religious belief.

“To be a homeowner means everything to me and my daughter. It’s a lifelong dream I’ve always had and now I finally have something to pass along to her when she starts a family of her own.” – Nema Bass, Habitat Homebuyer

home builds health

Amidst the emotional roller coaster of the COVID-19 pandemic, HFHNCC (with your support) has helped make your health and the health of your home a priority. We recognize that the quality and access to decent, stable affordable housing is a key social determinant of your health. And we plan to continue to invest in building healthier lives through housing.

This year we were able to help 95 families in need of critical home repairs, including 22 families who were affected by Hurricane Ida, shelter in place and stay safe, warm, and dry. In 2022, we plan to provide critical repairs to at least 70 homes in need.

home builds community

At HFHNCC, we recognize that thriving neighborhoods are essential to the well-being and future outcomes of our families and communities. In 2021, we have continued to work side by side with residents and organizations to further assess and address the critical needs of your community.

This year, our Neighborhood Revitalization team partnered with Republic Services for two Rock the Block events. Our primary focus is beautifying the landscape of your community and listening to your concerns for safety in your homes.

home changes lives

“Home means a stable place to grow with my children mentally, emotionally, and financially without wondering if I will have to move or being afraid to become homeless with my children. A home means a new blessed and rewarded way of life from now on.”

Griselda and her two sons have never had a stable place to call home. Constantly moving between the homes of family and friends to an apartment with her sons and a roommate, Griselda turned towards HabitatNCC with her aunt’s recommendation.

Upon being accepted into the homeownership program, she burst into tears to be able to better provide for her children. Griselda is currently working towards providing that 3 bedroom home with a backyard where she can “build memories and form stronger family bonds“.

impact on our partner families

%

are no longer receiving government assistance

%

report their children's grades have improved by 1-3 grade letters

%

have improved physical, emotional, and social wellbeing

%

report they are eating healthier

a thank you from Kevin

Greetings, friends,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe. Looking back over the past year, we were able to accomplish so much despite the on-going challenge of Covid. We continue to provide meaningful impact for new homeowners, homeowners struggling with needed repairs, and neighborhoods long neglected. We thank you for your steadfast support of our mission and work.

This year, we celebrated our 35th anniversary since our founding in 1986. We dedicated seven new homes known as Amala Way on Bennett Street in Wilmington, as well as three more homes renovated in Simonds Gardens. We installed more than 100 Ring Doorbells to keep households secure in Wilmington. We facilitated disaster cleanup after Hurricane Ida working with more than 70 residents to get their electricity and gas back on, and to do critical repairs for 22 homes. And we completed 287 critical home repairs—more than ever before, and also 18 pre-weatherization repairs as a contractor.

Despite the challenges of this year, we can still find joy and blessings around us, and we look to 2022 with hope. Thank you for your commitment to Habitat and helping us make sure that everyone has a safe, decent place to live. Together, we build homes, communities, and hope.

Happy Holidays,

Kevin

shining bright spots in the community during COVID

october 23, 2021 - we "rocked the block" distributing 100 Ring Video Doorbells

our neighborhood revitalization team, Republic Services, and many volunteers like you distributed and installed 100 Ring Video Doorbells to residents in Northeast Wilmington.

september 30, 2021 - we celebrated the home dedication of four new homeowners

you helped us celebrate and hand over the keys to the new Habitat homes in Amala Way I to Nema, Marlise, Lucinda, and Antonia.

september 16, 2021 - our annual golf outing

Despite the many uncertainties of the pandemic, many of you were excited to join us on the green for our annual golf outing and helped us raise over $55,000.

july 31, 2021 - we showered Azaria, Cheris, and Darnise with housewarmings gifts

Azaria, Cheris, Darnice, and their families felt the love as we showered them with many home necessities to help them settle into their new Habitat homes.

july 17, 2021 - we "rocked the block" for a community cleanup around Johnston Park in Northeast Wilmington

our neighborhood revitalization team, Republic Services, and many volunteers spent their Saturday cleaning up and beautifying your local neighborhood in Northeast Wilmington.

june 2021 - celebrating 35 years and dedicating three new homes

June 3, 2021 – we celebrated our 35th anniversary continuing the tradition of our annual breakfast by organizing the event for people to have the choice to attend either in-person or virtually.

June 16-18, 2021 – 3 new homeowners received the keys to their new Habitat home (Azaria, Cheris, and Darnice)

february 2021 - we were selected for Republic Services' National Neighborhood Promise Grant

Between 2021-2022, we will be hosting 3 “Rock the Block” events focused on the Northeast neighborhood of Wilmington.

january 2021 - we launched the new "Healthy Homes Initiative"

Thanks to commitments from Barclays and Welfare Foundation, we partnered with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to provide home repairs to families affected by COVID-19.