Affordable and workforce housing are terms used frequently whenever discussions about housing in Sussex County take place.

The high cost of housing and rental units in the beach area forces workers to seek accommodations in middle and western Sussex. In the Cape Region, homes sell for $500,000 and up, and monthly rents are more than $1,200 for one-bedroom apartments.

At times, it appears to be a problem with no sustainable solutions.

However, there are nonprofit and for-profit organizations and businesses that realize the need to provide more affordable housing.

Sussex County is doing its part with a series of housing initiatives, including first-time buyer assistance, housing rehabilitation, an affordable rental program with incentives for developers, and its Housing Trust Fund.

From the fund alone, the county has provided more than $6 million to help organizations construct or rehabilitate existing properties so residents can purchase homes based on their income, and assisted with upgrades to allow residents to remain in existing housing.

In the latest round of disbursements, 105 units will either be constructed or preserved, bringing the three-year total to more than 250 units. One of the organizations receiving $500,000, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, has plans to construct 10 new income-based homes in the Milton, Milford, Greenwood and Bridgeville areas.

With some amendments, the county’s affordable rental program has started to gain traction. For example, the approved Chapel Branch Apartments include 28 units – 33% of the total – in the affordable rental program. Renters pay based on their income, not the market rate.

Creation of more affordable housing is a major component of the county’s comprehensive plan. Steps are being taken to meet that goal, but much more needs to be done. 

As more and more people move to the county, demand for new homes will remain high, which also drives up the price of land. As long as that trend continues, affordable housing will remain a problem. 

Thanks to the county and other organizations, at least some attention is being directed toward the issue. It’s imperative that existing housing initiatives remain funded and even expand.