Delaware's new home repair assistance initiative, the Statewide Emergency Repair Program, has received national recognition from the National Council of State Housing Agencies with a 2017 Annual Award for Program Excellence.

"We are honored to receive this award on behalf of our partners and the many Delawareans that this home repair work has helped," said Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi. "Simple repair work on leaky roofs, heating systems and electrical work can be out of reach for many, and we are pleased to be able to help homeowners remain in their homes."

The award was given in the home improvement and rehabilitation subcategory, recognizing programs that best provide home improvement and rehabilitation financing.

The Statewide Emergency Response Program, or SERP, was created this year to provide a single point of contact for home repair assistance for low-income Delawareans. Previously, DSHA had funded repairs through a number of partners, depending on jurisdiction. The new program operates in all three counties and provides a streamlined approach through a contract with the Milford Housing Development Corporation, which operates the program.

“We are pleased that this program had a strong start and has already helped many families with essential, emergency home repairs,” said David Moore, President and CEO of the Milford Housing Development Corporation. “MHDC has been involved in home repair work for 25 years, and brings that experience to bear helping others with this new statewide program. We appreciate the recognition and look forward to continuing our partnership with DSHA.”

Since its launch in March, SERP has helped around 85 families with about $338,000 in emergency home repairs.

The program addresses emergency conditions threatening the health or safety of eligible Delaware homeowners and members of their households. Qualified applicants must own their home and have lived there for at least one year, and must meet income guidelines.

Situations that qualify include immediate health or safety threats such as heating system repairs (winter months), plumbing repairs (non-functioning), electrical repairs (in hazardous cases), roof repair or replacement (for active leaks), major structural repairs or urgent accessibility modifications. A portion of the funding goes toward assisting residents of manufactured housing or mobile homes.

Homeowners can apply to the Milford Housing Development Corporation at 302-491-4010 or toll-free at 844-413-0038. Staff will work with applicants to determine if they qualify.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by the nation's state housing finance agencies. The Awards for Program Excellence recognize work at the state level and identify best practices and ideas that can be adapted in other areas.