Six years of collaboration culminates in milestone achievement for affordable housing

What started as a University of Delaware graduate student project documenting vacant properties in Townsend’s “Old Town” reached a major milestone last week with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first of 13 new affordable homes on Gray Street.

The celebration brought together the partners who made this transformation possible: Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (ICHDE), New Castle County officials, Town of Townsend leadership, and community members who have watched this neighborhood evolve from neglect to renewal.

A Six-Year Journey

“This has been six years in the works,” reflected New Castle County Councilman David Carter, who championed the project from its inception. “When I first took office, I walked these streets and they were lined with boarded-up houses. Today, we’re seeing the first tangible result of what happens when a community refuses to accept decline as inevitable.”

Carter’s journey through the complexities of affordable housing development—navigating zoning challenges, code violations, and funding gaps while working with four different mayors, 11 council members, and five town managers—illustrates the persistence required to make affordable housing happen in small communities.

“I think every elected official should have to live it in the weeds,” Carter said, “because that’s what it’s going to take to crack this nut and solve this problem. It’s that difficult sometimes, and you just have to be that persistent.”

Partnerships

ICHDE Executive Director Darlene Sample emphasized how the project demonstrates what’s possible through collaboration. “This house proves what can happen when local government, community leaders, and nonprofits work together around the shared belief that everyone deserves safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home.”

The $2.8 million investment in federal HOME funds, administered through New Castle County, enabled ICHDE to acquire nine blighted properties and transform them into 12 buildable lots. Each three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home will be sold to qualified families earning 80% or less of the area median income.

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, whose background in affordable housing development spans decades, highlighted the broader impact: “When families have access to affordable, stable housing, everything changes. Children thrive in school, job security improves, and financial stability can become real and attainable.”

ICHDE Affordable Housing Development

ICHDE Board Chair Raymond Armstrong captured the mission’s essence: “No matter how much you make, you can still have the American dream.” This sentiment reflects ICHDE’s 55+year commitment to creating homeownership opportunities across all three Delaware counties.

NCC Council President Monique Johns emphasized the human element: “Housing is not affordable for everyone. Creating this opportunity for those families who are working hard, raising their children” makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Looking Ahead

When completed, the Townsend project will consist of 13 affordable homes.

As Sample told the future homeowners who will soon call these houses home: “This is where your story begins. You are what makes this neighborhood matter.”

Thank You to our Partners

The Townsend project’s success reflects the dedication of numerous partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. ICHDE extends special gratitude to the New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry and the Community Services team, including Community Services Administrator Vincent Garlick, General Manager Carrie Casey, and Nicole Waters whose expertise and persistence helped navigate funding challenges. We also thank C & B General Contractors Inc. for their skilled craftsmanship in bringing these homes to life, and NeighborGood Partners for their ongoing support that enables us to pursue projects like this across Delaware. Additionally, we recognize NeighborWorks America, whose partnership and resources continue to strengthen our capacity to serve communities statewide. And a special thank you to Councilman David Carter for working alongside us to bring this dream to bring this dream to life.

To hear the complete remarks from all speakers at the ribbon-cutting, view the full ceremony here.

For more information about ICHDE’s affordable housing programs or to schedule a tour of our completed properties, visit ichde.org or call (302) 652-3991.