Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry committed to building simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with low-income families regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or sources of income.

More than 12 million children – one in six – are living in poverty in the United States. Poverty is a severe threat to children’s health, growth, and potential. The First Annual Report (“Who Can Afford to Live in Delaware?”), issued by the Delaware Housing Coalition in May 2007, states “…As of 2000, there were an estimated 12,183 substandard housing units in Delaware…and Sussex County is the most difficult area in which to purchase affordable housing.  In order to afford a home at the median purchase price of $270,000, a household median income of $54,200 is required.  The median annual wage in Sussex County is $24,066.”

With the contributions of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, Habitat is able to partner with families making 25 to 60 percent of the area's median income.  These partner families pay a no-profit, no-interest mortgage to Habitat.  The homeowners’ mortgage payments then go into Habitat’s "Fund for Humanity" that allows building more houses with more families in the future.  Additionally, partner families pay closing costs and contribute 250 "sweat equity hours" - time spent building their own home or other Habitat homes - per adult in the household.  Partner families not only earn a new home, but also contribute to the larger cause of decent and affordable homes for our area's families in need.  

The Habitat affiliate’s long-range plans include building a total of 22 homes in the development, Georgetown Point. Our first home in the neighborhood was dedicated in the Summer of 2011. The second and third house are under construction.

Board of Directors

	Jeff Joseph, President Working in the real estate development industry, with my church and various charities, I am constantly reminded about how much hardship there still is today around things that many people take for granted, like food and shelter.  Habitat for Humanity is one of the few organizations on earth that is making a real difference in this community, our country and around the world.   Habitat for Humanity also enables anyone, regardless of skill set, background or economic condition, to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.  I truly believe that Habitat staff and volunteers are doing God's work.  I am honored to be able to serve in such an organization.
	Ralph W. Peters, Vice President The need for safe, affordable housing for low and moderate income families in Sussex County is clear.  Habitat makes a real difference, you can see it in the joy on the faces of the partner families at every settlement and every dedication.  And by working with and for Habitat, I feel that, somehow, I might be making a difference too, maybe making Sussex County a little bit better, and that's important to me.
	Jon Lokken, Treasurer As a new Board member I am happy to be of some service to SCHFH and its important mission of providing a “hands-up” to hard working families in Sussex County.  This mission is accomplished through a wonderful collection of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, professionals, local businesses and partner families and I am proud to be associated with them.
	Richard Taylor, Secretary I consider it an honor and privilege to be involved with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. Being a part of an organization that makes such a profound difference in the lives of families is a blessing that I will always cherish.
	Amy Walls, Assistant Secretary Working with Habitat is incredibly rewarding. I find great joy in working to create safe, decent and affordable homes for families to grow and prosper. I would encourage anyone who is able, to give some of their time and energy to a cause that will impact the lives of people in need. Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is an amazing organization that I am proud to be a part of.
	Kay Herrman, Resource Development Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity has been the most rewarding experience of my life.  It is very humbling to see the joy and happiness brought into the lives of our partner families when they move into their new homes.  The children are our future and providing an opportunity for them to live and learn in a safe environment is especially meaningful.
	Myron Edwards I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. HFH is truly an extraordinary non-profit organization whose leadership and volunteers will not wane from their commitment to provide affordable housing to fervent partner families. I am hopeful that my contribution to the board will make a positive impact towards their mission of HOPE - one family at a time.
	Tony Etze Serving as a member of the Habitat Board of Directors is not just about giving back. It's about building relationships with partner families and providing them with the opportunity to improve their lives.  It's about rebuilding communities. It's about volunteers working together for one goal - to build a house for a deserving family. I also serve as Chairman of the Construction Committee and house leader.  Habitat is not just about building a house.  It is about building a home. I am proud to be part of this process.
	Sharon Gray I am proud to be a new member of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors and look forward to making a difference in the community by helping families find happiness by building an affordable home.  We are all on this journey of life together, so why not help pave the way to make someone’s dream of owing a home come true and lighten the load along the way.
	Scott Lanham I have worked with Habitat affiliates in several places I have lived.  I’ve always appreciated that Habitat stands for a "hand up and not a hand out."  The families that receive homes through Habitat have to put in sweat equity, save for their closing costs, and take appropriate classes that prepare them for home ownership.  In the end, they purchase the home at an affordable price and terms for many who would not otherwise be able to afford a home.  I have experienced many instances in my life where I needed a hand up to get past an obstacle.  Then someone would step in with that hand up and it made all the difference.  If I have achieved any success in life it has been in part due to the multiple times I’ve received a hand up over the years.  Being on the board of SCHFH, I feel I will have a particular opportunity to offer my experience with building homes and operating a home building business to help give a hand up to many who need just a little help to get past an obstacle that will enable them to move toward their success.  It could make all the difference in the life of a Sussex County family.
	Vince Robertson I enjoy being on the Board of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity for many reasons.  Foremost among them is the mission of Habitat to provide quality housing to low-income Sussex County families through a “hand-up” instead of a “hand-out”.  As an attorney, I hope that I also bring a unique and helpful perspective to the various issues that the Board must address as the County and organization evolve.
	Chris Couch SCHFH is excited to welcome our newest Board Member!