Homeownership Program

We believe that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to call home. Our Habitat homeowners partner with us to build a better home and future for themselves and their families

"When I left the groundbreaking, I cried all day. I was full of joy seeing all the people come in and support Habitat. It really makes you excited for your next journey."

antonia's story

The thought of being a homeowner before the age of 40 seemed like a distant dream for new Habitat homeowner, Antonia. Antonia and her daughter began their housing journey as beneficiaries in the HUD tenant-based assistance program facing frequent challenges of unforeseen evictions and fluctuating rent prices until Antonia was introduced to the idea of applying for the homeownership program. Her dream would soon become a reality when her normal shift in the ICU was happily interrupted with the news that she was going to to be a Habitat homeowner and would later move into one of the Amala Way houses on Bennett Street. Despite challenges from the pandemic delaying the pace of construction, Antonia never lost hope. She would frequently drive by and visit the property while eagerly awaiting the exciting day she could show her 16-year-old daughter their new forever home. On September 30, 2021, Antonia and three other homeowners celebrated their dreams becoming a reality and received the keys to their brand new homes.

“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. On September 30, 2021, Habitat celebrated the home dedication and provided Marlise and three other homeowners (Nema, Lucinda, and Antonia) with the keys to their new home.

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.”

qualifications

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.

Need for housing

Willingness to partner

Ability to pay

While all of our homeowners have different life circumstances, they all have these three important qualifications. The best way to find out if you qualify to for Habitat’s homeownership program is to apply online.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner must meet ‘HUD’ Household Income Guidelines listed below.

Apply to be a Homeowner!

Applicants must meet 'HUD' Household Income Guidelines for income to qualify.

family size

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

eight

minimum income

$19,860

$22,680

$25,530

$28,350

$30,630

$32,910

$35,160

$37,440

maximum income

$39,720

$45,360

$51,060

$56,700

$61,260

$65,820

$70,320

$74,880

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

Are you interested in the Habitat homeowership program?

take the next step

Submit your application

Visit https://applyforahome.habitatncc.org to see if you qualify to be a Habitat homeowner.

Your application will be reviewed by our Homeownership Program team, and will require documentation such as your tax returns, pay stubs, etc.

Home visit

Our Family Selection Committee will visit your current home to assess your need for housing and get to know you a bit better.

Committee review

Your application and the results of your home visit will be reviewed and discussed by Habitat’s Board of Directors.

Decision

If you’re accepted – a Habitat staff member will notify you directly – and then the fun begins! If you are not accepted, don’t get discouraged – a member of our Family Services team can talk to you about ways to strengthen your application. Many of our Habitat homeowners apply for our program more than once before getting accepted.

What properties do you currently have available?

1313 Heald Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
718 Bennett Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
New Castle; 2 bedroom and 4 bedroom

UPDATE: We are slowly opening our doors for individual and group volunteering (corporate or peer groups of up to 10 people). Email volunteer@habitatncc.org for more info.