2025 Superstars in Business: Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County | Nonprofit

Creating and Sustaining Affordable Housing

From affordable homes to thriving neighborhoods, Habitat’s mission continues to shape New Castle County

BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL | PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

For nearly four decades Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has been transforming lives and communities by making the dream of safe, affordable housing a reality. Since 1986, the organization has built trust and created opportunities by working hand-in-hand with families and partnering closely with local businesses, faith communities, and civic leaders. Its mission is simple: to foster strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Habitat’s impact extends beyond the walls of the homes it builds. To date, the organization has constructed 315 homes and completed 905 critical repairs, providing more than 1,220 families — and nearly 3,000 individuals — with housing security. Its work encompasses transitional rental housing, aging-inplace modifications, and neighborhood revitalization projects that range from rain gardens and energy-efficiency upgrades to public safety improvements.

“At Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, we don’t just build or repair homes, we build trust, encourage pride, and foster long-term community empowerment. Our goal to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope is not only clear, but actively lived and felt by all in our community from homeowners and board members to donors, contractors, community residents, and volunteers,” explains Kevin Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

Habitat believes everyone deserves a decent place to live and recognizes that homeownership has the power to transform families and strengthen communities. Rather than offering a handout, the organization provides a hand up to qualifying families who may not have access to traditional mortgage options. Through its homeownership program, Habitat prepares, educates, and supports individuals every step of the way on their path to becoming homeowners. Habitat’s homeownership program creates strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

For families who are not yet ready for a mortgage, Habitat’s Almost Home program provides a vital bridge through affordable rental housing. This transitional rent-to-own pathway allows participants to build financial stability and prepare for future homeownership while still benefiting from safe, affordable housing.

In addition to supporting new homeowners, the organization addresses urgent housing needs through its Critical Home Repair program. Services include everything from roof and HVAC replacements to weatherization improvements. Window and door upgrades, electrical and masonry repairs, sidewalk restoration, and accessibility modifications that allow older adults to safely age in place are among the services offered. Exterior painting, railings, and drywall work also help ensure homes remain safe and livable.

Habitat also prioritizes neighborhood revitalization, exemplified by its Rock the Block initiative. During these one- or two-day events, neighborhood residents join Habitat staff and volunteers to repair, refresh, and restore the areas in their communities. Habitat’s work in the Eastside and Northeast neighborhoods of Wilmington further emphasizes that commitment. Since its start, this program has added 69 units of affordable housing and supported more than 600 families through critical repairs and beautification projects.

With its ReStore retail thrift store, Habitat promotes sustainability within the community. Each ReStore accepts donations of gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials, offering them to the public at reduced prices. The revenue generated goes directly toward building, rehabilitating, and repairing affordable homes, ensuring that every purchase contributes to safe housing for families in need.

Behind this work is a team of 36 dedicated staff members, supported by 68 long-serving volunteers whose commitment spans nearly a decade on average. With strong and lasting leadership, Habitat’s culture is defined by stability, vision, and passion.

“We know our mission is only as strong as the people behind it. Whether they are swinging a hammer, drafting a budget, or advocating for affordable housing, our staff, board members, and volunteers form the foundation of our success,” Smith adds.

Each year, more than 1,000 individuals — corporate groups, faith communities, retirees, and students — volunteer their time and talents for Habitat’s cause. Volunteer engagement goes beyond logistics and safety; every orientation includes education on Habitat’s mission, DEI commitment, and the lasting impact of service. To ensure that volunteers feel valued, the organization hosts annual appreciation events, shares social media spotlights, and sends personal thank-you notes from staff and homeowners.

Smith concludes, “What sets us apart is how we listen and respond. Community needs guide every decision we make. We meet families where they are, literally and figuratively, by conducting in-home assessments, attending civic association meetings, and engaging faith leaders and neighbors.” Habitat’s programs are not top-down; they are built hand-in-hand with the homeowners they serve.