How can you help me find rental housing?
Currently, Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware does not have any vacancies at any of its sites, however we are accepting additions to our waiting list. There are a variety of other resources available to assist you in finding rental housing.
1. The County list of Affordable Housing can be obtained by calling 302.395.5600.
2. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) offers a Housing Services Directory. For more information, call 302.577.5001. The DSHA also runs various Public Housing sites in Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information, call 302.739.7416.
3. Check the classified advertisement section of the local newspaper (News Journal). This is a good source of rental units available in your area.
4. Look for ads in Apartment Finder Magazines that are usually found in local convenience stores, restaurants, drug stores, etc.
5. Look for free Apartment Locator Services in the Yellow Pages and check the HUD web site for Apartment Locators.

I've been told I need to get housing counseling before I can qualify for a mortgage or down payment assistance. Do you offer this service?
Yes, we have on-site HomeOwnership Educators who can provide homeownership education and training and we also offer First-Time HomeBuyer workshops each month for eligible applicants. Please contact Erikka Concepcion at econcepcion@ichde.org for more information and check our HomeOwnership Education Center.

How can I sign up for the First-Time Homebuyer Training Seminars?
The First-Time Homebuyer Training Seminars are one-day classes held on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. In order to be eligible to attend the classes, the applicant must be pre-approved for a mortgage and referred by a Mortgage Company. To register for our workshops once you have been referred to our office, please click here to download our application and instructions or contact Erikka Concepcion at econcepcion@ichde.org for more information and check our HomeOwnership Education Center.

How can I sign up for Credit or Financial Education?
Personal credit education is available to applicants interested in improving their credit rating. Assistance is offered in obtaining a credit report, repairing poor credit, and learning to establish good credit ratings as well as short- and long-term planning to ensure continued good credit ratings. To apply for credit or financial education, please click here to download our application and instructions or contact Erikka Concepcion at econcepcion@ichde.org for more information and check our HomeOwnership Education Center.

Where are your offices located?
Our main and rental office is located at 613 North Washington Street in Wilmington, Delaware. Click here for a Google Map.
Our HomeOwnership Education Center is located at 2 South Augustine Street, Suite B, in Newport, Delaware. Click here for a Google Map.
Our Kent and Sussex County office is located at 20 Patrick Henry Lane in Milford, Delaware. Click here for a Google Map.

Does your organization provide emergency shelter or transitional housing?
If you need emergency shelter or transitional housing, please contact the Delaware State Housing Authority at 302.577.5001 and ask for the list of Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing Sites. The DSHA also runs various Public Housing sites in Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information, call 302.739.7416.

How can I help at Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware?
Your participation and assistance can help ICHD make positive housing changes in our state. Please contact us via e-mail or visit our Get Involved page for more information.

I like what your organization is doing. How can I make a contribution?
IHD relies on financial support to continue providing educational training through our HomeOwnership Education Program and with our development and rehabilitation projects throughout the state of Delaware. Your tax-deductible financial or real-estate donation can help make a difference. Please contact us via e-mail or visit our Get Involved page for more information.

What does the term Low-Income mean?
The term "low-income" has varying meanings. Government and social service agencies use this term to describe incomes that are below 80% and 50%, respectively, of the area median income (AMI) or the mid-point of typical income for a specific area, allowing adjustments for family size. Frequently, these terms serve as guidelines or requirements for publicly assisted programs and services.
Click here for the New Castle County 2007 Income Guidelines.

What does "affordable housing" mean?
This term is primarily used to define housing where the occupant pays 30% or less of their gross income for all housing costs and utilities.

I've heard the term Fair Market Rent (FMR), what does this mean?
The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines a specified amount to charge for the rental of basic units in a particular area. In most instances Fair Market Rent is higher than "affordable" rent.

I've been told I can get help with my rent using the Section 8 Program. What is this program and how can I apply?
This Program is a rental assistance program funded by the federal government for qualifying low-income persons. The Section 8 program is governed by the local housing authority (it is called the DSHA in Delaware) using funds from HUD. Contact the DSHA 302.577.3720 or your local Housing Authority for more information or to obtain an application for this program. They will determine if you are eligible and the amount of the rental assistance you will receive. You can also contact the HUD office at 215.656.0500 or your local HUD office or if you prefer visit the HUD Web Page.