HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 139

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized as National Homeownership Month; and

WHEREAS, owning a home is a fundamental part of the American dream and is the largest personal investment many families will ever make; and

WHEREAS, according to 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) data, there are 279,923 owner-occupied housing units in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, only 20% of homes for sale in Delaware were affordable to renters making less than 120% Area Median Income (AMI) in 2022; and

WHEREAS, for renters seeking homeownership, homebuying is challenging until a household earns 120% of the AMI and more, or $80,000 and above; and

WHEREAS, homeownership provides economic security for homeowners by aiding them in building wealth over time and strengthens communities through a greater stake among homeowners in local schools, civic organizations, and other community groups; and

WHEREAS, creating affordable homeownership opportunities requires the commitment and cooperation of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, including the state and local governments; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, 180 families received down payment and closing cost support using Delaware State Housing Authority’s (DSHA) Home Sweet Home program totaling $2,160,000.00 disbursed in assistance; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, 147 families received down payment and closing cost support using DSHA’s Delaware Diamonds program totaling $2,148,000.00 disbursed in assistance; and

WHEREAS, homeownership can be sustained through appropriate homeownership education and informed borrowers; and

WHEREAS, affordable homeownership will play a vital role in resolving the crisis in the United States housing market: and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives fully supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership Month and recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and families; and reaffirms the importance of homeownership in Delaware’s economy and its central role in our national economic recovery.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Delaware House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that June 2024 is hereby recognized as National Homeownership Month in Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution recognizes June 2024 as National Homeownership Month in Delaware.