Home Repair Programs

These affordable home repair programs are designed to enable qualified homeowners make necessary repairs to their home to remove health and safety hazards.  All of the County’s home repair programs are federally funded and subject to federal guidelines and regulations.  There is an application process that each homeowner must go through to determine if they are eligible for assistance.  Funding is limited and available on a first come first serve basis, and the property must be suitable for rehabilitation.  A property may be considered unsuitable for repair or rehabilitation if it is deteriorated beyond feasible economic repair and/or the level of work exceeds the scope of the program.  Ordinary homeowner maintenance items and exterior maintenance such as yard work, tree removal, gutter cleaning and routine painting will not qualify through these programs. 

Emergency Home Repair Program 

The Emergency Home Repair Program assists qualified homeowners make critical repairs to their home.  This is a loan program that focuses on health and safety issues in the home.  Items to be repaired will consist of things like water lines, sewer lines, roofs, heaters, etc.  Approved applicants will be eligible for up to $20,000 of home repairs in the home.  New Castle County will work with contractors that have been approved through the county bid process to address the identified issues in the home.  A lien will be placed on the property and the terms of repayment will be based on the homeowner’s income.  For additional information about the Emergency Home Repair Program please see the link below for the program brochure.

Senior Repair Program:

One of the homeowners must be at least 62 years old in order to participate in this program.  It is a 2-part program.  The first is a $5,000 grant and if additional work needs to be done in the home, homeowners may choose to also use a $7,500 no interest deferred loan, so the total amount that can be spent on repairs is $12,500.  This program will focus on code and safety issues first and then weatherization and accessibility repairs.  There is a waiting list for this program, and individuals are sent application letters based on their position on the waiting list.  For more information about the Senior Repair Program, please see the link below for the program brochure.

Senior Tree Removal Program:
One homeowner must be at least 62 years old to participate in this grant program. The program is designed to assist qualified seniors remove damaged, dead or dying trees or tree limbs from their property. Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis if funding is available. Tree trimming services are not provided through this program. For more information about the Senior Tree Removal Program, please see the link below for the program brochure.

Architectural Accessibility Program:

This is a grant program.  The focus is to make homes more accessibility for the individuals that live in them.  Work to be performed through this program includes the installation of ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications, etc.  Funds are limited and available on a first come first serve basis.  For more information about the Architectural Accessibility Program, please see the link below for the program brochure.

If you have additional questions regarding our home repair programs please feel free to call or e-mail:

Christina Bloemendaal

[email protected]

302-395-5639

Erin Wisher-Coleman

[email protected]

 302-395-5540