The following housing initiatives are funded in whole or part through the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to assist County residents. Each program has a distinct application and criteria for participation. Assistance under these programs may be limited as funding is available.

HOMEOWNERSHIP FIRST PROGRAM
The Homeownership First Program provides counseling and up to $5,000 in down payment and closing costs to qualifying first time homebuyers purchasing a property in Delaware County. Funding is limited and
there is no guarantee that persons completing the counseling program will receive financial assistance. The assistance takes the form of a 0% interest loan that is only repayable upon sale or transfer of the property
and is forgiven after five (5) years if the property is located in a Revitalization Area.

Contact the Chester Community Improvement Project at 610-876-8663 or Media Fellowship House at 610-565-0434 to apply.
Or visit the following websites:
http://www.cciphousing.org or http://www.mediafellowshiphouse.org

HOUSING LEGAL HELPLINE
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) provides legal advice, negotiation, and litigation services related to mortgage foreclosure and other legal issues related to homeownership, as well as landlord/tenant and predatory lending legal issues to Delaware County residents through an established Helpline.

The toll-free LASP Helpline offers residents a safe place to call before signing anything that puts their home at risk. Contact the Helpline at 1-877-429-5994 or visit www.lasp.org.

FAIR HOUSING EDUCATION
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (formerly the Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia) provides fair housing education services for County residents, housing providers, realtors, municipal governments and social service agencies. If you or someone you know feels victimized by housing discrimination, the Housing Equality Center can help investigate your complaint and assist you in determining what action should be taken. For assistance, contact the Housing Equality Center at 267-419-8918 or visit http://www.equalhousing.org.

LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION PROGRAM
The lead-based paint program provides qualifying low-income homeowners and renters, who have a child 5 and under, assistance to improve the safety of their homes by testing for and remediating lead paint hazards. Remediation activities can include, but are not limited to, window and door replacement, vinyl wrapping, replacing trim and moldings, and scraping and painting loose or deteriorated paint. All services are free, pending proof of eligibility. For more information, please contact OHCD at (610) 891-5425.

HOUSING REHABILITATION DEFERRED LOAN PROGRAM
The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program provides qualified low and moderate-income homeowners with 0% deferred loans up to $15,000 for major system repairs. Cosmetic improvements are not permitted. Special repayment terms are available for households located in the County’s Revitalization Communities. For more information, please call OHCD at (610) 891-5425.

For more information provided by the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development call 610-891-5425 or visit http://www.delcopa.gov/hcd