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Learn more about the Delaware Mortgage Program

Build & Develop

Homeownership Production

Revolving funds that turn vacant and dormant properties into affordable homeownership and help transform Delaware neighborhoods.

ApplicationsOpen July 15, 2026 — rolling through May 30, 2027
ProgramsFresh Start Communities & Bridging the Gap

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$4M Awarded through the FY27 Bond Bill for the revamped Strong Neighborhoods programming
2 Programs accepting applications — Fresh Start Communities and Bridging the Gap
Jul 15 Applications open July 15, 2026 on a rolling basis through May 30, 2027

The Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund supports the acquisition, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of vacant and dormant properties to create affordable homeownership. These revolving funds are targeted for efforts that support community development and transform neighborhoods experiencing challenges or other forms of stress, including high crime.

All Housing Delaware funding is subject to a competitive application process and designated funding rounds due to the allocation process of the funds (i.e. federal allocations and state budget allocations). All Housing Delaware programs must comply with the Housing Delaware Underwriting Requirements and Design and Construction Standards.

Questions about this program?

Contact Kim Edwards at (302) 739-0240 or Carey Golt at (302) 739-0313, or email the Community Growth team.

Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund (SNHF)

Availability of funds

Housing Delaware is pleased to announce that $4 million in funding has been awarded through the FY27 Bond Bill for the newly revamped Strong Neighborhood programming: Fresh Start Communities & Bridging the Gap.

Beginning July 15, 2026, Housing Delaware will accept applications for both programs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2027, or as long as funding remains available, whichever comes first.

Eligible activities

Funds for the program will be disbursed through a competitive process, with preference given to:

  • Acquisition: Purchase abandoned vacant, foreclosed or dormant homes and residential properties, in order to sell, rent or redevelop such homes and properties. The purchase of vacant parcels for the purpose of holding for future development will only be considered if it is part of an affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization development strategy that includes other eligible activities and should be re-built on the parcel within 5–7 years. Applicants with acquisition parcels within a 1–2 block area will be given priority in scoring.
  • Land banking activities may only be included if the applicant (or partner) is considered a land bank in a Delaware jurisdiction. Purchase, secure, and/or demolish abandoned vacant, foreclosed, or deteriorated homes and residential properties for the purpose of holding for future disposition as part of an affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization development strategy.
  • Rehabilitation: Rehabilitate abandoned, vacant, foreclosed or deteriorated homes and residential properties, in order to sell, rent or redevelop such homes and properties. This includes properties currently owned or planning to acquire.*
  • Financing: Provide funds for new construction, acquisition or rehabilitation activities, including bridge financing, construction financing, or mortgage affordability targeting.
  • Demolition: Demolish deteriorated structures when part of a neighborhood revitalization development strategy that includes other eligible activities. No more than 25% of award can be used for demolition purposes.
  • Redevelopment: Redevelop demolished or undeveloped properties; includes new construction on previously demolished sites.

*Housing Delaware has elected to consider only voluntary acquisitions. Foreclosed properties that are not vacant will not be considered for acquisition under this program.

Program resources

Program guidelines and application forms for both programs are below. Submit completed applications to dsha_commgrwth@delaware.gov. Questions? Contact Kim Edwards at (302) 739-0240 or Carey Golt at (302) 739-0313.

Fresh Start Communities

Bridging the Gap