Delawareans with existing applications on any of the five housing authority waitlists must update their application information by November 22

Dover, Del. November 15, 2024 – This afternoon, Delaware’s five Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) celebrated the centralization of the housing assistance application process, meaning that instead of applying to each authority through separate websites, applicants only have to log into one website to apply for placement on any or all housing choice voucher waitlists.

“This collaborative effort will mean that families will have greater access to affordable housing in Delaware,” said HUD Regional Administrator Matthew Heckles. “After years of effort, and with all the right partners in place, I am thrilled that we are implementing the first statewide application portal of its kind here in Delaware.”

Hosted by The Hope Center, members of the federal delegation, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), local elected officials, all five PHAs, and housing advocates joined in the celebration to acknowledge this partnership.

“I want to thank our fellow housing authorities for entering into this collaboration with the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA),” said Cynthia Karnai, Director of DSHA. “While we know this doesn’t truly eliminate the long wait time for vouchers or housing, we do know it is a step in the right direction, and one we hope makes a difference in the lives of applicants patiently waiting for their opportunity.”

This statewide initiative – a single, streamlined system – will allow applicants to submit and manage their waiting list applications for all PHAs using a common application. All applications will be processed through a centralized platform, accessible at https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com.

Letters and emails were sent to all individuals on all waitlists, requiring them to update their applications to maintain their current spot. All applicants must log on and update their information, especially if there have been significant changes to household income, family size, or contact details. Once the lists are reviewed, there is a chance current applicants will move up on the lists. This process does not indicate immediate available housing. Responses are due Friday, November 22, 2024.

For information and application instructions, the following video is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXY0R2WDst8.

Housing authorities participating in this centralized waiting list collaboration 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”)

On behalf of the PHAs, Ray Fitzgerald, Executive Director of WHA, said, “This change will increase efficiency for staff and make the process easier for our applicants to find housing, which is ultimately our goal.”

“Working with all five Housing Authorities has allowed us to strategically leverage the resources of each agency to benefit the residents of Delaware,” said Tanya Dempsey, Co-CEO of CSG Advisors. “We look forward to a continued partnership as the waitlists across the state begin to open and evolve.”

CSG Advisors has been integral in coordinating and launching the centralized waitlist. The Hope Center was selected as the location for this celebration because many of its residents have updated or will update their applications at the various PHAs and are tremendous partners in the housing community.