Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi announced a new program to provide emergency housing assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours or unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP) will provide eligible households up to $1,500 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner or utility company. Applications are available on DSHA’s website at www.destatehousing.com or at de.gov/coronavirus.
DSHA provided $2 million in funding for DE HAP, and New Castle County contributed $500,000. Several community partners will assist DSHA in processing applications through the program, including West End Neighborhood House, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Community Services, First State Community Action Agency and the Sussex County Community Resource Center.
To be eligible for DE HAP, applicants must reside in Delaware and have a maximum household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they reside. The applicant must also provide documentation showing an impact on their employment or income beginning March 10, 2020 or later that is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes such instances as a layoff, reduced work hours or needing to take unpaid leave due to childcare or other issues arising as a result of the health crisis.
For more information on DE HAP and to access an application, visit de.gov/coronavirus or
http://www.destatehousing.com.
