“Together, we have given families stability and a place they are proud to call home.”

These words from ICHDE Executive Director Darlene Sample capture the reason why Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware does the work we do.  After two years of comprehensive revitalization, 35 families in Claymont’s Overlook Colony now have beautifully restored homes in this century-old community. The turnout for the ribbon-cutting proved that affordable housing is a Delaware priority from the local level to Washington.

Delaware’s Commitment to Affordable Housing

The ribbon cutting drew representatives from Congresswoman Sarah McBride and Senator Blunt Rochester, along with DE Senator Ray Seigfried. They joined New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, Councilman John Cartier, ICHDE Executive Director Darlene Sample, and ICHDE Board Chair Raymond Armstrong to celebrate this significant milestone.

The diverse representation of government officials—from local to federal—demonstrated the commitment to affordable housing across Delaware.

A Historic Community

Overlook Colony is a century-old community designed by renowned planner John Nolen to serve working families in the Claymont area. Nolen, who also designed Union Park Gardens in Wilmington, believed that working people deserved quality homes.

As Councilman John Cartier noted at the ceremony, “I think if he was in the room, he would be thrilled. He would be saying ‘yes, working class people, people who work hard for a living should have a good place to lay their heads at night with a roof over their heads and enjoy a good place to live.'”

Preservation of Affordable Housing

Thanks to New Castle County’s $2.7 million investment—including $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $400,000 from the County’s Housing Trust Fund—all 35 units received comprehensive top-to-bottom revitalization. The improvements included new roofing, gutters, and siding; updated mechanical systems; new flooring throughout; completely renovated kitchens and bathrooms; updated carpentry; and energy efficiency improvements. The improvements ensure these homes will serve families safely and comfortably for years to come.

Our Partners

ICHDE and New Castle County have collaborated for over 20 years to preserve and enhance affordable housing across the county. Special recognition goes to New Castle County Community Services Administrator Vince Garlick and General Manager Carrie Casey for their commitment to this work, as well as ICHDE’s Asset Management and Real Estate Development teams and contractor C&B General Contracting.

Affordable Housing

While the completion of this important project is worth celebrating, the need for affordable housing in Delaware remains urgent. Yesterday’s turnout of officials from every level of government proved we’re committed to addressing it. Here’s to the families of Overlook Colony and to the continued partnerships that will keep putting Delaware’s working families first.

Watch WDEL’s coverage of the ceremony here.

Constituent Advocate Ajawavi Ajavon from Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s Office (L), ICHDE’s Asset and Organizational Manager (M), Robbin Black, ICHDE’s Executive Director (R) Darlene Sample

ICHDE Board Member, Joan Fitzgerald with John Gentile, Projects and Grants Director for US Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry speaking at the ribbon-cutting

ICHDE Board Chair, Raymond Armstrong, Esq. (L), Councilman John Cartier, Senator Ray Seigfried, New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, ICHDE Executive Director Darlene Sample, ICHDE Board Member Joan Fitzgerald, and ICHDE’s Real Estate Development Manager TuJuana Pierce (R)

Constituent Advocate Ajawave Ajavon from Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s office, New Castle County Community Services Administrator Vince Garlick, and Community Development and Housing Manger Nicole Waters

Councilman John Cartier (8th District) remarks at the event