Gauging and Responding to the Need for Home Repair Assistance in Delaware

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Housing Studies
• Social Work

Background:

• An estimated 25,000 low-income households in Delaware own homes requiring repair.
• Approximately 5,000 of these homes are in substandard condition, representing a significant public health and safety concern.
• The total estimated cost for necessary home repairs exceeds $96 million, with substandard housing accounting for $76 million.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of home repair needs among low-income homeowners in Delaware.
• To review current initiatives addressing these housing repair needs.
• To introduce the Statewide Healthy Homes Program as a solution integrating housing and health.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on low-income homeownership and housing conditions in Delaware.
• Analysis of the financial scope of the identified home repair needs.
• Description of the program design and objectives of the Statewide Healthy Homes Program.

Main Results:

• Significant need for home repair assistance identified, particularly for substandard housing units.
• Substantial financial investment is required to address the identified repair backlog.
• The Statewide Healthy Homes Program has been developed to increase repair assistance capacity.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for targeted home repair assistance for low-income homeowners in Delaware.
• The Statewide Healthy Homes Program offers a comprehensive approach by linking housing improvements with health outcomes.
• Partnerships with healthcare providers are integral to the program's holistic strategy for enhancing resident quality of life.