Habitat for Humanity has launched a new nationwide pilot repair program for individuals and families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The program aims to help families cope with the pandemic and its related issues with coping with repairs or other issues in maintaining homes they are too sick or cannot afford.
It’s a joint effort by Habitat for Humanity, New Castle, and Sussex Counties.
“We get a lot of inquiries – as does Sussex County – from people who need healthy home repairs,” said Beverly Ward, director of Family Services for Habitat for Humankind in New Castle County Asthma and their heating system has problems and it is clogged – maybe your filter. Or maybe you have a carpet and the carpet is in bad shape and that is what makes your asthma take effect. “
Ward said this pilot repair program builds on the Healthy Home program
“We already had a repair program, but we saw more and more people who needed this particular type of repair – a type of healthy home repair. And we started brainstorming and finding funding for it. And we were able to create this program for that entire state, “said Ward.
Habitat staff take care of repairs such as repairing broken railings and repairing leaky roofs. The repairs are free. The households selected are eligible for $ 2,500 to $ 5,000 labor.
To be eligible, families must meet income guidelines and have at least one family member test positive for COVID-19.
According to Ward, the pilot runs through June with the goal of serving 25 families or individuals.
She adds that they hope to have Kent County on this project by April.
The Welfare Foundation and Barclays are funding the pilot program.
Interested applicants should contact their local HFH subsidiary directly:
New Castle County’s HFH – 302-652-0365 ext 110
Sussex County HFH – 302-855-1153 ext: 208
