Dover, Del. July 31, 2023 – Nonprofit housing developers wanting to renovate or build homes for Delawareans to purchase can now apply for the Catalyst Fund program through the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).

The Catalyst Fund aims to promote neighborhood revitalization and an equitable recovery by supporting nonprofit efforts to address vacant properties in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible development areas can be found here: https://arcg.is/afy5r0.

The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and American Rescue Plan Act fund the program, which Governor John Carney and DSHA announced, along with other affordable housing development programs in July 2022.

“We are investing in housing development across our state so that more Delaware families have access to safe, affordable housing,” said Governor Carney. “The Catalyst Fund—created using ARPA funds—will help to incentivize more affordable housing construction projects in our communities. I encourage nonprofits to look into these opportunities today to support communities that were hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, demonstrate a stable source of construction financing, and complete an application available at http://www.destatehousing.com/Developers/dv_cf.php. 

Funds are available for for-profit developers. For-profit developers must apply through Cinnaire, DSHA’s Catalyst Fund program partner. For more information or questions, please email [email protected]. 

“Our new housing development programs, like the Catalyst Fund, build off of what our agency already does well, and that is increase housing opportunities for Delawareans,” said DSHA Director Eugene Young, Jr. “Our state has never seen such a historic investment in housing, and we must spend this money aggressively, and with a single purpose of helping Delawareans move into homeownership.”

About Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, provides quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it serves as a Public Housing Authority and a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about DSHA, please call (302) 739-4263 or visit www.destatehousing.com.