Housing Initiatives

Delaware County offers a variety of housing initiatives to assist County residents that are funded in whole or in part through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD).  Each program has a distinct application and criteria for participation.  Assistance under these programs may be limited as funding becomes available.

HOMEOWNERSHIP FIRST PROGRAM
The Homeownership First Program provides counseling and up to $10,000 in down payment and closing costs to qualifying low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers purchasing a property in Delaware County.  Funding is limited and there is no guarantee that persons completing the counseling program will receive financial assistance.  The assistance takes the form of a 0% interest loan that is only repayable upon sale or transfer of the property and is forgiven after five (5) years if the property is located in a Revitalization Area.  To learn more, click here.

To apply, contact a housing counselor at one of these agencies:

Chester Community Improvement Project
(610) 876-8663
http://www.cciphousing.org

Media Fellowship House
(610) 565-0434
http://www.mediafellowshiphouse.org

Affordable Housing Centers of PA
(215) 765-1221
https://www.ahcopa.org/

Residents of Chester City, Haverford Township and Upper Darby Township should contact their local officials to determine the availability of homeownership first programs in their community.

HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE
Delaware County has partnered with Habitat MontDelco to offer a major system home repairs program to eligible income-qualified homeowners. Learn more here or email Repair@HabitatMontDelco.org or call (610) 278-7710 x134.

Other homeowner resources may be found on here.

Residents of Chester City, Haverford Township and Upper Darby Township should contact their local officials to determine the availability of housing rehabilitation programs in their community.

LEAD HAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM
The Lead Hazard Control Program provides qualifying low-income homeowners who have a child 5 or under, with assistance to remediate lead paint hazards.  Work may include, but is not limited to, window and door replacement, the installation of new drywall, and the replacement of trim and moldings.  All services are free, pending proof of eligibility.  For more information, please contact Community Action Agency of Delaware County at (610) 874-8451 or click here.

Residents of Chester City, Haverford Township and Upper Darby Township should contact their local officials to determine the availability of lead-based paint programs in their community.

HOUSING LEGAL HELPLINE
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) provides legal advice, negotiation, and litigation services related to mortgage foreclosure and other legal issues related to homeownership, as well as landlord/tenant and predatory lending legal issues to Delaware County residents through an established Helpline.  The toll-free LASP Helpline offers residents a safe place to call before signing anything that puts their home at risk.  Contact the Helpline at 1-877-429-5994 or visit www.lasp.org. 

FAIR HOUSING EDUCATION
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (formerly the Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia) provides fair housing education services for County residents, housing providers, realtors, municipal governments and social service agencies. If you or someone you know feels victimized by housing discrimination, the Housing Equality Center can help investigate your complaint and assist you in determining what action should be taken.  For assistance, contact the Housing Equality Center at 267-419-8918 or visit http://www.equalhousing.org.