NEWS RELEASE: New Homeowner Repair Lottery Offers Seniors a Chance to Transform Their Homes
Monday, December 9, 2024
New Homeowner Repair Lottery Offers Seniors a Chance to Transform Their Homes
The registration period is now open and closes on Friday, December 20.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Wilmington City Council are proud to announce a new initiative to uplift the lives of senior homeowners by providing critical home repairs that enhance safety, comfort, and quality of life. Homeowners 65 and older who own property within Wilmington’s city limits may now apply for a lottery that offers grants up to $10,000. To register, seniors must currently own and occupy the home for which repairs are needed.
This program represents the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting its seniors, particularly those on limited incomes. With winter approaching and repair needs often unaffordable, this initiative could mean the difference between a warm, safe home and one that jeopardizes health and well-being.
Why This Matters
For many seniors, home repairs can be overwhelming and financially out of reach, leaving them to navigate unsafe living conditions or forego basic comforts. This program helps qualified senior homeowners age in place with peace of mind after investing in the City and building a life here.
How to Register
The registration period is open and closes on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Eligible seniors can apply:
By phone: Call the City’s Customer Service Center at 311 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Online: Visit www.wilmingtonde.gov/residents/311
This process ensures equity, as the lottery is NOT first-come, first-served, giving everyone who registers within the two-week period an equal chance to be selected.
Selection and Process
The lottery will be held on Monday, December 23, and televised live at 10:30 a.m. on WITN TV (Channel 22 on Comcast) and online at www.witn22.org. Each registered applicant will receive a case number, which will serve as their lottery number during the drawing.
The City’s Real Estate and Housing Department will review the application once winners have been selected in order to verify their income (income limit: 100% of the Area Median Income) and ownership status. This lottery is not open to seniors who have received assistance from Habitat for Humanity within the last three years.
The homeowner repair program income eligibility chart is as follows:
|
City of Wilmington Income Limits (eff. date July 15, 2023) |
|
| Household Size | Income Limit |
| 1 person | $ 80,300 |
| 2 persons | $ 91,800 |
| 3 persons | $ 103,300 |
| 4 persons | $ 114,700 |
| 5 persons | $ 123,900 |
| 6 persons | $133,100 |
| 7 persons | $ 142,300 |
| 8 persons | $ 151,500 |
Eligible Repairs
For income eligible senior homeowners (age 65 and older), up to $10,000 in repairs may be available for:
- roof repair/replacement
- HVAC repair/replacement
- weatherization
- window/door replacement
- electric or lighting repairs
- plumbing
- masonry repairs
- structural/safety repairs
- railing and safety issues
- handicapped accessibility
- and exterior painting, among others.
The City has already helped over 150 homeowners with essential home repairs through two successful lotteries earlier this year. Through this lottery, 65 senior homeowners will gain access to much-needed repairs that will address urgent needs, creating a safer and healthier living environment while preserving the value of their homes. This initiative reflects Mayor Purzycki’s and Wilmington City Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting its residents and improving the quality of life for seniors in our community.
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki (left) and City Council President Trippi Congo (right) participated in the Wilmington Homeowner Repair Lottery Drawing on December 20, 2023. Photos by Yesenia Taveras, director of communications for Wilmington City Council.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com