Waitlist Opens for all Five PHA’s Following Consolidation of Lists 

Delaware’s five public housing authorities announced that they will reopen their waitlists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs and low-income public housing which will be accessible at https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com on February 3, 2025. Low-income public housing, which is funded by the federal government and managed locally, aims to provide rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to safe and suitable housing.

Participating housing authorities include:

1. Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
2. Dover Housing Authority (DHA)
3. New Castle County Housing Authority (NCCHA)
4. Newark Housing Authority (NHA)
5. Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA)

Beginning in October 2024, letters and emails were dispatched to applicants on the HCV and low-income housing waitlists of all five PHAs, instructing them to update their applications to retain their placement on the waitlists. Applicants were required to log in and revise their household income, family size, and contact information. The deadline for updates was extended to December 31, 2024, after the original deadline of November 22, 2024, saw limited participation. As of January 1, 2025, a 13% response rate has been recorded, leading to a reduction in the number of the waitlist participants.

This statewide initiative introduced a streamlined system allowing applicants to manage updates, submit changes, and review their status using one centralized platform.          

“The reopening of the public housing waitlist marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address Delaware’s housing crisis. By making the waitlist available once again, to more Delawareans for the first time in many years, we are reaffirming our commitment to improving the processes for our state’s residents,” said Cynthia Karnai, Director of DSHA.

“We are proud to be part of this historic decision to open the waitlists, creating an incredible opportunity to provide safe, affordable housing for families across Delaware. This is a milestone in our mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Marene Jordan, Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority.

“Being part of this historic moment to open the waiting lists is a tremendous honor. It reflects our commitment to serving the people of Delaware and providing the housing opportunities they deserve,” said Assunta Scarpitti, Administrator, New Castle County Housing Authority.

Colleagues at Delaware 211 said, “This partnership will enhance the delivery of services to Delawareans by utilizing the Delaware 211 Helpline, powered by United Way of Delaware, as a centralized access point for a wide range of additional needs. By serving as a one-stop-shop, Delaware 211 will not only connect individuals for this project’s immediate needs but also address broader social services. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support, addressing multiple aspects of their well-being in one place. Through this collective impact model, the partners are committed to improving the overall quality of life for Delaware’s residents, creating a stronger, more connected community.”

Any applicant that didn’t update their application that wishes to reinstate their placement via appeal may visit https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com or call toll-free at (855) 301-5920 for more information.

About Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about DSHA, please call (302) 739-4263 or visit destatehousing.com