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Homeownership Program

Our Homeownership Program is designed to prepare, educate, and assist individuals in their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners in New Castle County. Our vision is where everyone has a decent AND AFFORDABLE place to live.

 
 
 
 

There are 3 essential components of becoming a Habitat Homeowner

We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and that homeownership makes a difference—in communities, and families alike. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County provides a hand-up not a hand-out to qualifying families who may not be able to qualify for traditional mortgage options. Our homeownership program is designed to prepare, educate, and assist individuals in their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners.

We understand that each family has different and unique circumstances; Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County looks at three important qualifications

  • Need for Adequate Shelter
    • You’ve been turned down for conventional housing
    • You are living in substandard housing
      • Housing disrepair
      • Overcrowded
      • 50% or more of your income goes towards rent
  • Willingness to Partner
    • Must fulfill all sweat equity requirements
    • Must attend all mandatory classes and meetings
    • Must work with Stand By Me as well as HFHNCC to continue to improve you financial situation
    • Must submit all requested documentation and/information for both pre-qualification and full application in a timely manner
    • Must participate in Home Visit during family selection process
    • Must have open and truthful communication with HFHNCC staff & volunteers
  • Ability to Pay
    • Must provide proof of all forms of verifiable income
    • Total household income must fall within the HUD income guidelines
    • Must be employed with current employer for at least one year
    • Must be able to afford monthly bills along with your HFHNCC mortgage
 

What properties are currently available?

New Construction
900 Bennett St. (Bennett Point), Wilmington, DE 19801
4 townhouses; 2-4 bedrooms, 1-1.5 bathroom,

New Construction
500 New Castle Ave (Sankofa Place), Wilmington, DE 19801
5 townhouses; 3-4 bedrooms & 1-1.5 bath

What you need to know
before you apply!

ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A FIRST TIME HOMEOWNER?

  • Are you 21 years of age or older?
  • Have you lived and/or worked in New Castle County Delaware consecutively within the past year?
  • Can you provide verifiable and documented source of income for 12 Consecutive months?
  • Are you willing to complete 300 Sweat equity hours?
  • Do you have a minimum credit score of 580?
  • Does your Household Income Fall within the HUD income guidelines?

If you answered yes to ALL of these questions, then pursue your dream of becoming a Habitat for Humanity Homeowner of New Castle County Delaware!

To learn more about our program and how to apply, fill out and submit an interest form to be invited to the next information session.

 
Think You Qualify?

Fill Out Our Homeownership Interest Form

Household Income Guidelines

family size

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

eight

minimum income

$23,460

$26,790

$30,150

$33,480

$36,180

$38,850

$41,520

$44,220

maximum income

$62,500

$71,400

$80,350

$89,250

$96,400

$103,550

$110,700

$117,850

Application Process

Not sure you’re ready to apply for the
Habitat Homeownership program? 

Scroll down to view how being a part of the Habitat family has changed and improved the quality of life through perseverence, confidence, commitment, and community for many of our existing homeowners.

“My kids are going to grow up one day and they’re probably not going to live there forever but they'll always have a home to come back to."

Marlise's Story

For about 10 years, Marlise and her three children have lived in subsidized housing.  As her children continue to get older and they become more independent, creating their own space in a small apartment continues to be an issue.  After looking into a traditional mortgage and learning that she wouldn’t qualify for a home that met her family’s needs, Marlise turned towards Habitat.  In December of 2019, Habitat broke ground on Amala Way, a 12 unit project on the East Side of Wilmington, where Marlise’s new home will be.  Marlise has since received the keys to her brand new home and moved in.

read more
 
1 in 7 Delaware residents spend more than 50% of their income just on housing.

Tiffany’s Story

Two years ago, Tiffany and her three children were living in overcrowded conditions in her mother’s home. Not long after her mother passed away, Tiffany arrived home to find a for sale sign was on the door—the house was in foreclosure. A parent at the daycare where Tiffany worked told her about Habitat. After completing her financial coaching and 225 hours of “sweat equity” with Habitat, Tiffany became the 250th Habitat Homeowner in New Castle County “Habitat’s 0% interest mortgage made homeownership a reality for me. I am beyond blessed.”

read more
 
Homeownership makes a difference.

what our families are saying

%

report improved physical, emotional and social well-being

%

no longer receive government assistance

%

of children improved by one or more letter grades in school

%

of families now eat meals together

Have a friend or relative that would benefit
from being a Habitat homeowner?

 

Click here to download our flyer
and help us spread the word!

 

 

FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

“Do you have to have a family to apply?” NO

“Can you apply if you receive social security?” YES

“Is There A Waiting List?” NO

“Can my application be transferred to another habitat?” NO

“Can I receive a home just by Volunteering?” NO

“Can I request where I want to live?” NO

“Do you offer emergency housing?” NO

“Will my sweat equity go towards my settlement?” NO

“Do you build per application?” NO

 

 

If we're not the best fit for your current situation, these other organizations may be able to help.

other resources
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