About the program

The emergency home repair project is a long- term program of the First State Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (RC&D), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The project was initiated in 1991 and founded on the idea that neighbors would be willing to help fellow neighbors in need-much as the Amish do at a barn raising "frolic".

The grassroots Project serves very low-income homeowners in Kent, Sussex, and lower New Castle Counties by assisting with the elimination of housing conditions that present an immediate safety and/ or health risk. The project supports the Council's overall mission to assist individuals and communities in the conservation and enhancement of their human and natural resources.

The Emergency Home Repair is not intended to replace existing county CDBG home rehabilitation programs, but seeks to maintain safety of the resident's living environment until these programs are able to complete more extensive work.

Structure of the Program

From it's inception, the Project has been committed to serving as a community-based, self-help organization. Although not required to reimburse the Project for it's services, clients are expected to participate in solving the home repair problem.

"YOU PEOPLE ARE GODSEND! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION."
- Linda, Previous client

In order to receive assistance from the Project, potential clients must go through the following intake process:

• Telephone application

• Verification of income and homeownership

• Home visit by Field coordinator

• Case reviewed by Oversight Committee

• Committee decision

After the Committee has made a decision, the Project will either purchase the materials for the homeowner to do the work, schedule the work for completion by a volunteer group, or enlist a licensed and insured contractor to complete the work.

Who Does the Work

Volunteers are a key component to the success of the Project's mission. The Project works with the volunteers from a variety of community groups including churches, local organizations, businesses, colleges and high schools. Clients are strongly encouraged to provide the labor to complete the needed repairs or to assist the volunteers completing to work. The Project ensures that at least one skilled leader is present to all jobsites.

RC&D

First State Resource Conservation And Development Council, Inc.