SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- Continuing to revitalize homes for those in need.
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity will address repairs for people who cannot afford them and have been impacted by COVID-19 through the Healthy Homes Pilot. Habitat staff will come into the home and find damages that need to be addressed. The repairs will be free to homeowners. Each household will be entitled to $2,500 to $5,000 in repairs.
Director of Family Empowerment Heather Barony says the program is not just about repairing the home but making sure the people living in it are in a healthy living space.
"To see those healthy outcomes and to see those repairs take place and families being able to not only shelter in place safely but also to lessen that impact has been just a blessing," Barony said.
In a normal year, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity builds about ten to fourteen homes and addresses repairs in about 180 households. Twenty-five families statewide will be chosen for this pilot program to ensure that they are living healthy lives even after the pandemic.
Grants from the Welfare Foundation and Barclays were used to help make the repairs possible. The program will be started in New Castle & Sussex Counties and is expected to land in Kent County in April.
In a statement to WRDE, President & CEO of the Welfare Foundation Chris Grunder gave a shout-out to Habitat leaders.
"We were proud to be able to support the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to further their Healthy Homes Initiative during this difficult time," Grunder said. "The innovative leadership of Kevin Smith and Kevin Gilmore is a shining example of how organizations and communities can band together to improve the health and safety of some of the most vulnerable here in the First State."
Taking the financial and home safety burdens off of homeowners plagued by the pandemic.
Sussex County Home Repair Application: https://www.sussexcountyhabitat.org/sites/default/files/u57/repairapplication10.2020_dec.pdf