Habitat to launch Major Home Repair Pilot Program

Kevin Gilmore, executive director of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, has announced that Habitat is getting ready to launch its Major Home Repair Pilot Program in the Georgetown community. This new pilot program will be targeting approximately five homes in the 19947 ZIP code over the next year.

Like the Minor Repair Program, the new Major Home Repair Pilot Program is designed to seek low-income homeowners who demonstrate a need for significant home improvement and show a willingness to partner with Habitat. The difference between Habitat’s major and minor programs is scale and location. Major Repairs could consist of but not be limited to: mechanical upgrades, whole home window replacement, roof replacement and code issue violations.

Gilmore was also happy to announce that the first family has been approved and selected. He said, “This family located on the outskirts of Georgetown consists of a father living with his adult daughter and four grandchildren, one of whom is an infant. The daughter and four grandchildren live in a converted living space which was once a garage. Due to numerous leaks, they have been forced to live somewhere else for the time being. Habitat plans to replace the roof of the entire house, fix a hazardous porch, and replace faulty wiring and all the damaged fascia and soffits."

Habitat has been serving in Sussex County since 1991 and has built or renovated 86 homes. “Over the past few years, Habitat has discovered that there are many people who own their own homes and property, but their own homes are falling down around them, especially senior citizens and disabled veterans, and they do not have the financial means to do any major renovations. Our goal, like our home ownership program, is to give them a hand up and not a handout and help them,” said Tom Protack, community engagement director for Sussex Habitat.

To learn more about the Major Home Repair Pilot Program in the Georgetown area and the application process and requirements, contact Habitat’s repair coordinator at 302-855-1153, Ext. 216, email repairs@sussexcountyhabitat.org or go to www.sussexcountyhabitat.org to get an online application.