County Executive Meyer announces application process for historic investment to increase affordable housing in New Castle County
January 27, 2022
New Castle, DE – Today, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and General Manager of Community Services Carrie Casey announced that the application for New Castle County’s affordable housing programs is now available. New Castle County will be receiving the first round of applications from now until February 24. After February 24th, there will be a rolling application deadline. Applicants should visit https://www.nccde.org/1091/Federal-Funding-Opportunities. For additional information, applicants may contact Vincent Garlick at (302) 395-5673 or by email: Vincent.Garlick@newcastlede.gov, and TDD: (302) 395-5593.
In the fall of 2021, County Executive Meyer, Council President Karen Hartley-Nagle, County Community Services Committee Co-chair Penrose Hollins, and members of the federal delegation announced the initial investment through President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The grant process will be overseen by the Division of Community Development and Housing, whose mission is to administer housing and community development programs for residents of New Castle County. The department provides a wide spectrum of community development services within the confines of the county, outside metropolitan areas of Wilmington and Newark.
The three programs, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Housing Trust Fund, and HOME program, will together offer $32 million for projects to preserve or build affordable rental and ownership opportunities across the county. A recording of the public meeting held on Tuesday can be found here This presentation provides more detailed guidance to applicants.
“We are excited to open the application process to New Castle County residents,” said County Executive Meyer. “There is a sustained crisis of affordable housing in New Castle County and in Delaware and this historic $30 million investment will address this crisis of affordability in New Castle County head-on. I want to again thank the continued leadership of Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester to ensure our local governments receive the key investments to help us build back better.”
“Safe and affordable housing is a vital component to strengthening families and supporting our communities,” said Senator Carper. “I was proud to support the American Rescue Plan last year, and I applaud the county’s efforts to use this historic funding to help residents find new homes and keep a roof above their heads.”
“Over the last year, housing uncertainty has reached unprecedented heights across Delaware and the nation,” said Senator Coons. “Housing is the foundation to a safe, healthy, and productive life, and this is an important step toward opening the door for low-income families and making sure they have a safe, affordable, place to call home. I’m looking forward to seeing New Castle County’s affordable housing and infrastructure be restored and revitalized, and applaud County Executive Matt Meyer for putting such impactful funding into these projects.”
“Access to affordable housing is critically important to improving the lives of Delawareans up and down the state,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “Last year I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan Act, which brought over $30 million to the county to invest in more affordable housing programs. I encourage eligible New Castle County residents seeking affordable housing opportunities to utilize these remarkable programs by applying before February 24th.”