St. Luke’s in Seaford donates lot to Sussex Habitat

Citing a need for more affordable housing in Sussex County, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Seaford has generously donated a vacant lot to Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.

The donated lot is located across from the church office on North Street in the heart of downtown Seaford.

“This lot used to be our playground for the children in the congregation,” said Bill Hubbard, church vestry junior warden. “But sadly, as our congregation has aged, we just don’t see many young faces anymore, and the play lot has gone unused for years now. We know Habitat will be able to put this empty lot to good use.”

Margaret “Peggy” Boyd, senior warden, said, “We know that Habitat has built some really nice homes just a few blocks away, and we applaud their work to address the shortage of affordable homes here in Seaford and throughout the county. As a congregation, we wanted to team up with them and be part of the solution.”

Sussex Habitat Executive Director Kevin Gilmore said, “Donated properties are key to our ability to build homes with deserving lower-income families that are safe, attractive and affordable.”

Gilmore encourages other landowners to consider a donation to Habitat. “Although the church won’t benefit tax-wise in this case, because of their nonprofit status, other land donors can support Habitat’s mission while possibly receiving a significant financial benefit at tax time.”

St Luke’s welcomes worshippers at 9 a.m. every Sunday, and its members provide a variety of services to the community.