DSHA is proud to serve and be an affordable housing resource for all. How can we help you?

  • Main Office
    18 The Green
    Dover, DE 19901
    Phone: 302-739-4263
    Toll Free Phone: 888-363-8808
    Fax: 302-739-6122
  • Public Housing Authority Office
    500 W. Loockerman Street
    Suite 104
    Dover, DE 19901
    Phone: 302-739-7416
    Fax: 302.739.8240

  • Our mission is to provide and assist others with quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low-and-moderate-income Delawareans.

  • Generally, there are four types of affordable housing: Public Housing; Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Voucher); Site-Based Subsidized Housing; and Tax Credit sites.
    • Public Housing: These are apartment complexes owned and managed by a Housing Authority. The tenant pays a portion of the rent each month, and the federal government pays the remainder of the rent.
    • Housing Choice Voucher: Formerly called Section 8 vouchers, voucher holders locate their own rental unit (apartment, house, condo, townhouse, manufactured home). The voucher holder pays a portion of the rent each month, and the voucher pays the remaining portion.
    • Subsidized sites (site-based Section 8, USDA Rural Development, Rental Assistance) offer rents based on household income in accordance with federal regulations. The tenant pays a portion of the rent each month, and the federal government pays the remaining portion. The majority of these sites are privately owned and managed, although subsidized by the federal government. Unlike a Housing Choice Voucher, the tenant cannot take the subsidy with them when they move out of a site-based subsidized apartment.
    • Tax Credit sites, though not subsidized by the federal government, are considered affordable. They offer lower than market rate rents to families and individuals with modest incomes. The tenant is required to pay the full rent and utilities and must have a minimum income to qualify (as opposed to subsidized housing, which has provisions for those with no regular income).

  • Offered by DSHA in Kent and Sussex Counties, Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers provide safe, decent affordable rental housing and access to supportive services for low-income families. The Housing Choice Voucher program offers rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to rent privately-owned dwelling units from participating landlords. DSHA administers 900 vouchers and 500 units of public housing at t public housing sites.
  • Note: Program participants, except the elderly or people with disabilities, must also be enrolled in the Moving to Work (MTW) program.

  • Income limits and payment standards are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and are determined based on family size and county location of the unit.
  • DSHA’s payment standards are the maximum allowable monthly rental costs for Delawareans receiving rental assistance vouchers through DSHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program, Family Unification Program (FUP) and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). In some areas where rental housing is more expensive, higher payment standards apply.

  • The LIHTC was created in 1986 to encourage a private/public investment to preserve and construct new affordable rental housing. Alone and in combination with tax exempt private activity bonds, the LIHTC has been the most productive source of affordable housing financing in the nation’s history. DSHA receives an annual tax credit amount and awards credits annually through a competitive process. The awards are based on criteria outlined in DSHA’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The equity raised through the tax credit investment makes it possible for developers to attract the financing needed to create or restore low-income rental housing.
  • Tax credit sites offer lower than market rate rents to families and individuals with modest incomes. The tenant is required to pay the full rent and utilities and must have a minimum income to qualify (as opposed to subsidized housing, which has provisions for those with no regular income Specific income limits are determined based on family size and county location of the unit. Please visit dehousingsearch.com rates and availability.

  • DSHA wants to help Delawareans kiss their landlords goodbye with our homeownership loan and down payment assistance programs! DSHA offers mortgage financing for Delaware homebuyers at or below market interest rates. All mortgages are 30-year fixed-rate loans. Borrowers can also use DSHA’s Preferred Plus program for down payment and closing cost help.

  • No. Any person or family who is homeless and in need of assistance should call 2-1-1, and you will be connected to Housing Alliance Centralized Intake or call directly at 1-833-346-3233 to be referred to appropriate services. All Delaware programs serving homeless families and most programs serving homeless individuals require a referral from the centralized intake system. Assistance accessing centralized intake is also available at the State Service Centers.

  • No. Delawareans seeking rental assistance are encouraged to reach out to one of our community partners, who may be able to help:

  • DSHA is not currently accepting applications for the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).
  • Homeowners are encouraged to visit demortgagehelp.com to learn more and apply for the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program, funded by the Homeowner Assistance Fund and American Rescue Plan Act.
  • If you need immediate help with your mortgage, please contact one of the following resources.
    • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
      If you’re concerned about how to pay your mortgage, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on what to do now and your options for mortgage relief.
    • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
      Homeownership offers many advantages and new responsibilities. From maintaining your home and refinancing to disaster preparedness and ongoing costs, learn how to navigate the ins and outs of owning a home.
    • Delaware Automatic Residential Mediation Program
      The Attorney General, together with other agencies and organizations, has initiated a mandatory mortgage foreclosure mediation program to give homeowners a voice in the foreclosure process.

  • We’re committed to meeting our constituents where they are and appreciate any opportunity to work with our partners around the state. If you’d like to request a DSHA staff member to speak at your event, deliver an in-person presentation, or participate as a vendor, please email the details of your request to Deborah Whidden.