DSHA grants $5M to housing assistance partners

DOVER – A new initiative through the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is giving $5 million to community partners who will then allocate the funds to residents looking for a hand up, rather than a hand out.

DSHA received the funding for its Housing Stability Program (HSP) from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) in December 2020 and March 2021. Funding for the Delaware-based program is based on availability from August 1, 2024, through or before September 30, 2025.

According to DSHA, the mission of the program will prevent imminent evictions by offering emergency rental assistance to households facing court dates and to secure new housing opportunities by covering security deposits and initial rent payments. 

The HSP will offer financial assistance of up to $1,800 per month for a maximum of three months to cover rental arrears, late fees and security deposits.

“Only through the collaboration with our community partners was this program created to address the needs Delaware renters face today. This program will make a difference,” HSP Operations Manager Marva Hammond said in a press release.

The eight HSP partnering organizations will employ community navigators to offer outreach, case management and various wraparound support services, such as communication with legal aid professionals and resources for employment and education. Funding amounts per organization will vary, as the program operates on a fee-for-service model. Organizations will receive funding for each approved case.

HSP partner organizations include Catholic Charities, Dual Generations. Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, NeighborGood Partners, New Castle County Department of Housing,  Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, First State Community Action Agency and Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware.

“The New Housing Stability Program will provide much-needed financial support for those families facing eviction and future homelessness to enable them to stay in their home and get back on their feet,” NeighborGood Partners Executive Director Karen Speakman said.

To receive services from an organization that qualifies for HSP support, the individual and/or family must be delinquent in rent payments and have a court-scheduled eviction hearing. They also must not have received emergency rental assistance from the Delaware Housing Assistance Program in the 18 months prior to the current application and must meet income limit requirements. 

“I am thrilled that Delaware residents will have access to another groundbreaking Housing Stability Program through DSHA. Eviction diversion, security deposit assistance, and future months’ rental support are essential tools to prevent homelessness and promote healthy housing security. This program will provide millions in assistance to countless Delawareans at a time when it is most needed,” DSHA Director Cynthia Karnai said.  

For questions, or inquiries, email HSP@Delaware.gov or call 211.