Two New Homeowners Join Restoring Central Dover Initiative

DOVER, DE — Two Delaware families are becoming homeowners in central Dover with the purchase of single-family homes constructed by NCALL as part of the Restoring Central Dover initiative.

NCALL, the Delaware State Housing Authority, elected officials and other partners and supporters celebrated the project today, part of a multi-pronged approach to homeownership and economic development in the state capital.

The homes, on Governors Avenue and North Queen Street, replaced previously vacant properties in disrepair, said Joe Myer, executive director of NCALL.

“We work every day to help families find affordable housing and reach the dream of homeownership,” Myer said. “Homeownership is key to restoring Central Dover, and we and our partners are committed to developing a strong community here.”

The Delaware State Housing Authority provided construction financing through the Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund, a bank-settlement fund which is supporting 31 homes in Dover with $1.68 million in grants, and the Downtown Development District Program, which provides rebate grants to property investments for eligible businesses or homeowners. DSHA has also provided three grants from its Housing Development Fund to construct or rehabilitate 10 homes in the area.

“As a community development agency, DSHA is proud to support these efforts to revitalize and strengthen Dover,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “Helping families such as the Samains and Sartins find their dream homes is critical to helping our communities grow.”

“I am 56 years old, and thought the dream of owning a home would never happen,” said Susan Sartin, one of the homeowners. “Now I am happy and proud to be part of the Dover community.”

Justin Samain, another homeowner, said his family had a long journey to homeownership, but it was worth it. “Everything was easy, really easy,” he said, praising the help from NCALL.

Also present at the celebration event were Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen and City Council members Fred Neil and Matthew Lindell.

Media: Photos from the event are available for download from DSHA’s Flickr page.

Media Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Director of Public Relations
(302) 739-0271 (Office)
dans@destatehousing.com

Delaware State Housing Authority
www.DEStateHousing.com
18 The Green, Dover, DE 19901