habitat happenings
February 2026
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Habitat on the Hill
FEBRUARY 10–12, 2026 · WASHINGTON, D.C.
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This February, our CEO Kevin Smith joined nearly 500 advocates from Habitat for Humanity organizations nationwide in Washington, D.C., for the 20th annual Habitat on the Hill. From February 10–12, advocates met with nearly 300 congressional leaders to amplify and address America's housing affordability crisis.
"The cost of housing is driving families to the edge. We need bold policy actions and common-sense reforms that will make it easier to build starter homes and increase housing supply in the U.S."
— Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: WHAT OUR ADVOCATES ARE CALLING FOR
SHOP Program
Fund the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program at no less than $20 million in the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill.
HOME Program
Fund the Home Investment Partnerships Program at no less than $1.5 billion in the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill.
USDA Section 502
Fund the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program at no less than $1.25 billion in the Agriculture appropriations bill.
Homeownership Supply Accelerator
Champion Habitat's priority plan to rapidly increase construction of affordable homes through flexible financial assistance supporting acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation.
Both chambers are advancing bipartisan housing legislation: the Senate through the ROAD to Housing Act (S. 2651) and the House through the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644). Congress must keep this momentum going, and we will continue to play our role in building homes, communities, and hope.
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Almost Home:
Jamal's Story Shows How Preparation Becomes Possibility
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When Jamal A. talks about his future, one word comes up again and again: stability. A single father of two boys, Jamal took a major step forward by transitioning from our Almost Home program into our Homeownership Program. Soon, he and his sons will move into their future Habitat home marking the culmination of months of hard work, preparation, and perseverance.
"I feel a lot better. I was lost and felt stuck at times."
— Jamal A., Future Homeowner
Jamal's journey began like many of our partner families. He applied to our Homeownership Program with the goal of creating a better, more stable future for his family. When he reached the application stage, he didn't yet meet all the qualifications to move forward. Instead of ending his path, we offered another option: our Almost Home Program.
Through Almost Home, families temporarily rent a Habitat home while actively working together with us toward meeting homeownership requirements like reducing debt, raising credit scores, and improving financial readiness. As soon as Jamal learned what he needed to work on, he got to work: focused, committed, and determined. Because of his hard work and dedication, he was able to transition into our Homeownership Program sooner than expected.
"I think my kids will love the new home and gain peace and comfort," he shared. That sense of peace and comfort, born from stability, is exactly what Almost Home is designed to support.
Jamal's story is a powerful reminder that homeownership isn't always a straight line, and that a "not yet" doesn't mean "never." Almost Home exists to make sure families who are one step away have a clear, supported path forward.
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what is almost home?
Almost Home is a pathway into our Homeownership Program. Families first apply to our Homeownership Program and, if denied at the full application stage, eligible households may then rent a Habitat home temporarily while actively working toward qualifying for homeownership.
Ready to take your first step? Attend our free first-time Homebuyer Seminar
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The Eastside Thrives:
Honoring Eastside's Black History
| | Throughout February, Black History Month, we are celebrating the extraordinary leaders who built Wilmington's Eastside community through courage, creativity, and determination. Our social media campaign, "Built on Legacy," introduces five remarkable Eastside residents whose legacies live on in every home we build and every family we serve. As Eastside Thrive works to revitalize our neighborhood, brick by brick we build on the foundation laid by giants. Stay connected on our social media pages to follow along! | |
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Do More 24: 24-Hour Day of Giving
- March 5, 6:00PM – March 6, 6:00PM, 2026
- Donate to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County to support affordable housing solutions across the community.
- Click here to visit Do More 24 Delaware and donate
Homebuyer Seminar
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
- Seeds of Greatness Church, 828 Frenchtown Rd., New Castle, DE 19720
- First-time homebuyer seminar covering program requirements, application process, and Habitat's 0% Mortgage Program
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Pre-registration required at www.habitatncc.org
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302-652-0365 | familys...@habitatncc.org
Women's Build Week! March 2-7, 2026
Eastside Rock the Block: Garden Work Day
- Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 8:00AM – 1:00PM
- Central Baptist Church, 839 N Pine St., Wilmington, DE 19801
- Volunteer activities include garden prep, small repairs, gravel installation, and trash pick-up
- Free lunch and giveaways (first come, first served)
- Registration required
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302-545-0179 | wfle...@habitatncc.org
Dallas Home Dedication
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 10:00AM
- 35 Dallas Road, New Castle, DE 19720
- Ceremony honoring a new Habitat family and their path to homeownership
- Devel...@habitatncc.org
Grace Point III Dedication
- Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 11:00AM
- East Lake Street, Middletown, DE 19709
- Home dedication ceremony celebrating another family's new beginning
- Devel...@habitatncc.org
| | | | Got BIG items but no truck? No worries! | | | |
January by the Numbers:
Your Impact in Action
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This January, our volunteers contributed 989.6 hours to building homes and hope across New Castle County.
Our construction teams logged 611.5 hours including 471.5 hours from our dedicated regulars, plus Saturday builders and team builds.
At our ReStores, volunteers gave 378.1 hours between Prices Corner and Middletown, turning donations into funding for affordable housing.
Every hour brings our partner families one step closer to home. Thank you for showing up.
To book your team day, contact Volunteer Coordinator Keilah Hanley at volu...@habitatncc.org or 302-652-0365 x103
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Construction: Eugene R.
Gene is a member of our Tuesday and Thursday construction teams. He always brings a smile, kindness, and great positivity to his work. From complicated jobs to straightforward tasks, his approach is always high quality, precise, and complete. Thank you, Gene, for your consistent commitment and thoughtfulness.
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ReStore: Emily P.
Emily is always smiling and friendly with staff, customers, and volunteers. She not only volunteers with our ReStore in Prices Corner but also often steps up to assist with other projects, including on the construction site, as a team captain at our December Rock the Block, and with a recent furniture pick-up from WSFS Bank. Emily's friendliness, efficiency, and flexibility make her a pleasure to work with. Thanks Emily!
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Committee: Mara R.
A message from her support person-Krissy.
"Mara is part of my journey; she's a phone call away and she does her best to answer all my questions. She is MY SUPPORT person and that's exactly what she's doing, SUPPORTING me...in every way. She's a wonderful person...your rock Mara!!!!" — Krissy, Partner Family
| | Mara has been a support person for more than 10 years. Even when she moved out of state, she wanted to be part of Habitat and continued to support families. It saddens her that she can't witness their achievements in person, but we want her to know that the proof of her commitment is when each of her families goes to settlement. Her disposition is positive, kind, and hardworking. Thank you for all you have done, Mara. You are greatly appreciated. | | | | Special Thanks to Our Donors | | |
is your gift eligible
for the naa tax credit?
Gifts made to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County may receive a Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credit equal to 50% of your gift.
If you’re wondering whether the Neighborhood Assistance Act may be beneficial for you, here are the contribution guidelines:
• Individuals: Qualifying contributions of $2,500 or more may apply
• Businesses: Qualifying contributions of $10,000 or more may apply
• Gifts must be made in 2026
• Approved gifts may earn a 50% Delaware state tax credit
Timing matters. If you’re planning to give, consider giving before March 17th.
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