WILMINGTON — Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County celebrated the dedication of two homes on Friday, June 18 in honor of Juneteenth.
Joined by HFHNCC staff, board members, volunteers and family and friends of the new homeowners, the affiliate presented two African American women with the keys to their new homes in the Simonds Gardens development in New Castle.
For the new homeowners, Darnice and Cheris, their new homes represent a new chapter in their lives and their independence. As a current staff member at the affiliate’s ReStores, Cheris Henry is no stranger to HFHNCC’s work in the community. Having been in the foster care system, the mother of two longed to provide a stable home for her kids. At the dedication, Ms. Henry expressed her gratitude for the support she has receiving during the process.
“First and foremost, I would thank God because I didn’t give up,” she said. “This shows that when you believe in yourself, and you also have people that believe in and are willing to show you when you don’t see it – that you are greater than you think you are. Miracles do happen.”
Darnice Butler first heard about Habitat through her co-worker and admits she was skeptical of the homeownership program that HFHNCC offers.
“At first, I wasn’t sure, but this time around, I was tricked by my sister,” she said.
Ms. Butler’s sister tricked her into attending a homeownership orientation, during which she decided to apply.
“I never knew that I would move out of my parents’ home, so now that I’ve gone through this whole process, I’ve learned that I can do this on my own – I got this,” she said.
Both events marked the significance of Juneteenth, a day that represents liberation and empowerment for the African American community – a community that has been historically discriminated against when it comes to housing and homeownership.
“This day has significance not only for these women, but our country as well. African Americans have experienced in this country for far too long discrimination in both lending and access to housing,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of HFHNCC. “I’m proud to say in this neighborhood, not only have we created homeownership for Darnice and Cheris, but also five other families over time in this neighborhood.”
Mr. Smith also announced during the dedication a new partnership with New Castle County, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Simonds Gardens Civic Association to revitalize a vacant lot in the neighborhood into an environmental, community space for residents.
Partnerships with the local business community, federal, state and local government, local foundations and local congregations are essential to HFHNCC’s ability to provide affordable housing throughout New Castle County. The rehabilitation of both properties dedicated was made possible through funds from local bank institutions such as WSFS, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, state funding from Delaware State Housing Authority, New Castle County, and local foundations like the Christmas Shop Foundation, Borkee Hagley Foundation, Marmot Foundation and the Welfare Foundation.