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Habitat Happenings | January
This year, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County celebrates a major milestone: 40 years of building strength, stability, and hope. Since 1986, we've partnered with thousands of families to build and repair homes, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting change across our community.
This milestone year is even more special as we honor and salute our CEO, Kevin L. Smith, for 30 years of exceptional leadership. His unwavering commitment to housing and equity has shaped our mission and inspired countless lives across New Castle County.
With deep gratitude, we thank every supporter who has picked up a hammer, made a gift, shared our message, or walked alongside us on this journey. Your love, time, and kindness have helped make this impact possible.
Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing stories, hosting events, and inviting you to celebrate with us. Together, let’s continue making an impact that inspires.
| | Snow or Shine, We Rocked the Block: 25 blocks transformed in Northeast Wilmington | | |
Not even snowfall could stop volunteers from showing up on December 6. Community members, Habitat staff, student volunteers from Salesianum, and neighbors gathered in Northeast Wilmington ready to Rock the Block and restore pride to their neighborhood.
From the staging area at 2211 Carter Street, volunteers broke into teams to tackle five lots filled with debris and yard waste. “The plan was to clean Lamotte Street, Carter Street, Jessup Street, and Pine Street. We were able to complete that,” said William Fletcher, Repairs Coordinator. By the end of the day, 25 blocks across the neighborhood had been transformed.
Scott of Great Scott Handyman Services, one of our longtime volunteers, worked alongside homeowners to teach them how to repair window screens. Together, they repaired 15 screens. Homeowners left with the tools, skills, and confidence to maintain their homes. In response to neighborhood concerns, volunteers also installed motion-sensor light bulbs in front and back yards to help improve safety.
The impact didn’t stop at cleanup. Habitat partnered with Matthew Williams through The Conscious Connections program to refresh three community gardens on East 23rd Street. These gardens provide healthy food and year-round gathering spaces, and volunteers and residents worked side by side to ensure they continue to thrive.
Rock the Block supports the whole neighborhood: from cleanup and beautification to skill-building that helps homeowners care for their properties. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when neighbors work side by side. Even in the snow, a community came together to build something stronger.
Want to Be Part of the Next One?
Rock the Block is an extension of our work to revitalize neighborhoods in New Castle County: one family, one block, one street at a time.
We’d love to have you with us. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Keilah Hanley at volu...@habitatncc.org or 302-652-0365 x103 to learn more about upcoming Rock the Block events and other ways to get involved.
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| Keys in Sight, Futures Taking Shape | | |
Congratulations to our newest Homeownership Program inductees, Vincent M. and Jamal A. Their dedication and hard work mark an important milestone on their path to homeownership. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement. | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburg Awards $1.1 Million to
Support Critical Home Repairs
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Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County is honored to receive a $1,107,500 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB Pittsburgh) through their Affordable Housing Program. This funding will help preserve homeownership and improve housing safety, accessibility, and longevity for low to moderate income families across New Castle County.
We are deeply grateful to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and all our donors who make this life-changing work possible. Together, we're not just repairing homes but helping families age with dignity and preserving homeownership for generations to come.
For more information about our Critical Repairs program in New Castle County, contact Ruby Dyer at rep...@habitatncc.org, 302-652-0365 ext. 104, or 302-420-0392.
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Welcome Tara Quinn
Our New Director of Development
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We are pleased to welcome Tara Quinn as Habitat’s new Director of Development. Tara brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong background in major gifts, capital campaigns, and grant development in support of housing and community-based missions.
We are honored to work alongside her as we
| | | | Donor Recognition Program Launch | | |
We’re excited to launch our new Donor Recognition Program at Habitat NCC ReStore! This initiative celebrates local businesses that turn surplus materials into impact for our community. Your donations help build and repair homes while keeping usable items out of landfills.
Businesses that donate to the ReStore will now receive recognition based on the value of their donated items. From social media shoutouts and digital signage to plaques and exclusive Habitat home tours, we want to highlight our partners who help us build homes, community, and hope.
Learn more and see how your business can get involved: www.habitatncc.org/restore
Questions? Contact Dennis Martin: dma...@habitatncc.org or call 302-593-9719
ReStore Locations: Prices Corner & Middletown
| | | | Got BIG items but no truck? No worries! | | | |
The Value of Volunteers
and the Power of Team Builds
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In December, Habitat NCC volunteers gave more than 1,400 hours. That time is valued at nearly $46,000 based on Delaware's volunteer hour rate of $32.21, but the true impact is seen in the families supported, homes repaired, and communities made stronger.
As we step into 2026, it's the perfect time to be intentional about how your team connects. Team Builds are now open for booking for 2026.
These group volunteer experiences offer something you can't get in a conference room: real connection, hands-on collaboration, and the satisfaction of building something that matters together.
To book your team day, contact Volunteer Coordinator Keilah Hanley at volu...@habitatncc.org or 302-652-0365 x103
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Construction: Tim B.
Tim is an integral member of the Wednesday regular team, always showing up to work with a smile and a can-do attitude. Tim is the quintessential example of a finish carpenter and cabinet builder. Tim’s fine eye to detail is seen in his work. Tim is fondly nicknamed by other volunteers as Norm, as in Norm Abrams, Master Carpenter from This Old House. Given an unusual task or challenge, Tim will engineer a solution.
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ReStore: Ann R.
Ann does an amazing job keeping the donated books organized and looking great in both ReStore locations. She is consistent in her work, and her enthusiasm and positivity are infectious. Ann is willing to step in and assist wherever needed, volunteering her time at Prices Corner and Middletown, assisting the overall operations of ReStore tremendously.
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Committee: Sarah Q.
A message from her support person-Atiah Abdullah
Sarah has been an amazing support person throughout this entire process. From the moment I first met her, her exciting personality and genuinely helpful nature stood out. I still remember our first breakfast together, simply getting to know each other it set the tone for the supportive relationship we’ve had ever since.
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I always appreciate her presence at meetings, where she consistently brings encouragement, positivity, and understanding. One of the most thoughtful things she has done was bringing toys to keep the kids occupied, which made the meetings so much easier. She has even offered babysitting services, showing just how far she is willing to go to support others.
| | | | Special Thanks to Our Donors | | A Staff That Stays Together | |
We ended 2025 the same way we hope to live every day in 2026: with laughter, community, and a whole lot of joy. This holiday season, our Habitat NCC team came together to celebrate what we value most, the people behind the mission.
One of our favorite traditions, the Office Decorating Contest, brought out creativity and friendly competition. And the results are in:
First Place: Programs Team takes the top spot with 68 votes
Second Place: Construction Team brought the cheer with 39 votes
Third Place: Team "Elf" (Finance, Development & Admin Team) followed with 33 votes
Do you agree with the results? Make sure you check out the video on our social media and let us know if we need a recall!
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We also celebrated with our annual Christmas party, inviting family and friends to join the festivities. There was great food, holiday games (musical chairs stole the show), and a standout performance by Francisco, Director of ReStores in Middletown and Prices Corner, who treated us to one of his favorite songs.
At Habitat NCC, family is more than a word. It's a way of showing up. These moments together remind us why we do what we do. We're building more than homes. We're building a community that serves with heart.
Here's to a joyful start to the year and a mission that keeps growing stronger.
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This January, consider supporting our mission in a different way. Donate a vehicle! Whether it's a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV, Cars for Homes makes it simple.
When you donate a vehicle in New Castle County, the proceeds stay local and help us build homes for families right here.
The best part:
- We accept vehicles in any condition (they don’t need to run)
- Towing is always free
- You may qualify for a tax deduction
Plus, our vehicle donation program, Cars for Homes, is recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the Best Car Donation Charities for the last 3 years. So, you can feel confident your donation is making a real impact.
Ready to turn your unused vehicle into hope and homes?
Call 877.277.4344 or visit our website: https://www.habitatncc.org/
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