Delaware’s 5 Public Housing Authorities will open waitlists on Feb. 3

͏ ‌DOVER — Delaware’s five public housing authorities will reopen their waitlists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs and low-income public housing on Feb.3.

Low-income public housing, 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. For more information, go to https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com

Participating housing authorities include:

In October, letters and emails were sent 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 Nov. 22 deadline for updates was extended to December 31, 2024, due to limited participation. As of January 1, 2025, a 13% response rate has been recorded, reducing the number of waitlist participants.

Applicants who didn’t update their applications and wish to reinstate their placement via appeal may visit https://Delaware.AffordableHousing.com or call toll-free at (855) 301-5920 for more information.

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, said DSHA Director Cynthia Karnai. “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.”

Officials said Delawareans can use the Delaware 211 Helpline, powered by United Way of Delaware, as a centralized access point for various additional needs. By serving as a one-stop shop, Delaware 211 will connect individuals for this project’s immediate needs and 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 Delaware’s residents’ overall quality of life, creating a stronger, more connected community.”