Senators Carper, Coons join Habitat for Humanity International CEO for review of community revitalization projects in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) today joined Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford for a bus tour highlighting multiple Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County projects underway around the city of Wilmington.

Throughout the day, stakeholders involved with the projects joined the tour, including financial supporters and community members benefiting from Habitat’s efforts. The bus tour visited Stubbs Early Education Center, a Critical Home Repairs site in the 500 block of East 9th Street, multiple projects between the 800 and 1000 block of Bennett Street, and a Prices Run neighborhood site at Lamotte and East 22nd streets. The stops put on full display the breadth of work undertaken by Habitat for Humanity locally.

In the evening, Senator Coons, Reckford, and Dr. Andre M. Perry, author of “Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities,” participated in the “Affordable Housing Summit: Perspectives to Address the Crisis at the Local, Federal, and Global Levels,” a conversation moderated by New Castle County Habitat for Humanity CEO Kevin Smith. The event was hosted at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

In the evening, Senator Coons, Reckford, and Dr. Andre M. Perry, author of “Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities,” participated in the “Affordable Housing Summit: Perspectives to Address the Crisis at the Local, Federal, and Global Levels,” a conversation moderated by New Castle County Habitat for Humanity CEO Kevin Smith. The event was hosted at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“Safe, affordable housing is a critical component to strengthening families and keeping Delaware’s economy strong,” said Senator Carper. “From making home repairs to making home ownership a reality, Habitat for Humanity is making a positive impact up and down the First State. That’s why I am proud to work alongside Senator Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester to deliver millions of dollars in federal funding to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission.”

“There is an affordable housing crisis in this country, and one of the most substantial ways we see it being addressed is through the diligent work of organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” said Senator Coons. “While we continue to fight at a federal level for more funding to address those who deserve the most fundamental of necessities—a roof over one’s head—the volunteers with Habitat for Humanity are doing on-the-ground work that is changing lives of their vulnerable neighbors.

“Affordable, reliable housing creates a foundation for everything from education and employment to health and safety,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). “Our state’s chapters of Habitat for Humanity, which serve all three counties in Delaware, have become trusted partners in our efforts to not only create more affordable housing opportunities but prepare individuals for homeownership. That’s why I’m proud to have worked with Senators Carper and Coons to deliver federal funding for all three Delaware chapters to expand their critical work throughout our communities, and I am glad that Habitat for Humanity’s International CEO was able to see part of that work first-hand in Wilmington today.”

“The work of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County is inspiring,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Today we experienced our global vision in action in Wilmington. The tireless work of the local staff, volunteers, and homeowners make a powerful impact in the lives of so many families. That said, we know we cannot simply build our way out of the affordable housing crisis. It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach that involves building and repairing homes, pushing for systems change at the local, state, and national levels, and training and equipping communities with the skills needed to improve their own housing conditions through advocacy. Habitat stands ready to work alongside anyone that shares our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

“At Habitat for Humanity we know that providing affordable housing creates lasting change for families and communities where homes are located,” said New Castle County Habitat for Humanity CEO Kevin Smith. “That is why we were honored to host Habitat for Humanity International, CEO, Jonathan Reckford, and our federal delegation, to show the impact of our work here in Wilmington. That impact would not be possible without support from all levels of our community, including federal dollars. We are grateful to Senators Carper and Coons, and Rep Blunt Rochester for their unwavering support of our mission.”