Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is celebrating another year of meaningful local impact after completing nine affordable homes and more than 150 critical home repairs during Fiscal Year 2026.

The organization's accomplishments reflect a growing commitment to addressing housing challenges all over the county and helping local families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through safe, affordable housing.

During FY26, Sussex Habitat partnered with nine families on their journeys to homeownership, completing and selling homes in Milford, Milton, Laurel and Seaford. The organization also expanded the reach of its Healthy Homes Program, completing more than 150 repair projects that helped Sussex County residents remain safely and comfortably in the homes they already own.

"Every home we build and every repair we complete represents a family whose quality of life has been improved," said Kevin Gilmore, Sussex Habitat CEO. "Whether we're helping a first-time homeowner achieve their dream of homeownership or providing critical repairs that allow a longtime resident to remain safely in their home, our goal is the same: strengthening families and communities throughout Sussex County."

The Healthy Homes Program provides critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for eligible homeowners, many of whom are older adults, individuals living with disabilities or residents facing financial hardship. Projects often include roof repairs, accessibility ramps, flooring replacement, bathroom modifications and other improvements that enhance safety and quality of life.

The organization's homeownership program continued to expand during FY26, with new construction currently in progress or expected to begin soon in communities like Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel and Milford. Habitat partner families complete financial education, homeownership preparation and sweat equity requirements before purchasing their homes through an affordable mortgage program.

As housing affordability challenges continue to impact families across Sussex County, Habitat leaders remain focused on increasing their efforts in the years ahead.

"Today, affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing our community," Gilmore said. "The need continues to grow, and so does our commitment to meeting it. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors, sponsors and community partners who make this work possible."

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity plans to build 11 new homes over the next 12 months, further expanding opportunities for local families seeking an affordable path to homeownership.

The organization also continues to invest in long-term growth through initiatives such as the Home for Habitat campaign and planned expansion of the Sussex County Habitat ReStore, which will help increase funding for Habitat's housing programs for years to come.

"As we celebrate what was accomplished in FY26, we're already focused on the families we'll serve next," Gilmore said. "There is still much work to do, but we're excited about the future and the opportunity to continue building stronger communities throughout Sussex County."

For more information about Sussex County Habitat for Humanity or ways to support its mission, visit sussexcountyhabitat.org. To learn more about the Home for Habitat campaign, visit a-home-for-habitat-schfh.com.