DOVER — Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity is now offering rental assistance as a part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative.

The CDHFH rental initiative, through the Delaware Housing Assistance Program, is addressing the need to give a hand-up to those that are currently renting in Delaware.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused unemployment rates to increase, an increase in the cost of everyday household goods and other issues that have greatly affected renters in Kent County.

CDHFH will partner with eligible renters who have been affected directly and indirectly by the pandemic.

Rental solutions that the DEHAP Rental Assistance Program will provide include:

• Up to 15 months of rental assistance which includes current and future rent, rental arrears, utility arrears, court and late fees, security deposits and first month’s rent. More specific information will be discussed when an individual applies.

• Housing stability opportunities through other CDHFH Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative programs and the Homeownership Program.

• Emergency housing assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, unpaid leave or financial hardship related to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Residents of Kent County that are eligible for the program include individuals who qualified for unemployment or experienced a reduction in income or incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the pandemic; individuals or households experiencing risk of homelessness or housing instability; and individuals or households with income at the time of application at 80% below area median income.

For more information or to see if one might qualify, contact Cyra Curry-Stevens at ccurrystevens@centraldelawarehabitat.org or by phone at 302-526-2366 ext. 117.