New Federal Funding to Support Affordable Housing in Sussex County

More affordable housing is on the way for families in Sussex County. Sussex County Habitat for Humanity recently received $1 million from the FY26 Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill. The funding is part of the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project. Delaware Senator Chris Coons requested the funding. Kevin Gilmore, CEO of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity says the funding will provide critical assistance and allow them to continue creating access to affordable housing opportunities to Sussex County. The FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending is expected to assist in funding the construction of 10 to 15 houses, Gilmore adds that CDS funding has helped them build over 200 homes in the community since the organization began, and that now they can start building the next 200. Congress passed the FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending, and the President signed the bill into law on February 3rd. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will administer the grant. For more information about SCHFH’s work or to support upcoming projects, visit www.sussexcountyhabitat.org.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Director of Development, Ricky Pollitt tells the Talk of Delmarva about the impacts of this type of funding…

He mentioned a recent report stating the average age for a first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old, highlighting the growing challenges many people face in affording a home.

$1 Million in funding from the FY26 Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Bill and part of the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project will allow Sussex Habitat for Humanity to build of 10 to 15 houses. Funding from 2022 and 2024 has powered SCHFH in the current and future construction of 25 affordable homes throughout Milford, Seaford, Milton, Greenwood, Laurel, Bridgeville, and more. Awarded funds in 2023 also helped Sussex County Habitat for Humanity purchase land that will be used for affordable housing opportunities in the near future.