SPOTLIGHT: MHDC Affordable Housing Solutions Self-Help Housing program

Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) makes the dream of becoming a homeowner a reality. Families join together nights and weekends to build each other’s homes as a group, earn equity, decrease construction costs, and make lasting investments in their community.

Families contribute at least 25 hours per week for approximately 12 months (or until the group of homes are complete). Hours can be provided by the homeowner, any household member 16 years of age or older, and approved volunteers.

These labor hours, or “sweat equity”, are used as the down payment, reducing costs for a new home. MHDC also assists each applicant with securing the loan needed to build their new home. Special financing from the USDA makes these homes affordable. Escrows; property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums, will be included in the monthly mortgage payment. 

• Time: Months to Years

• Cost Range: Cost Varies by Project

• Key Words: Cross-Sector Partnerships, Advanced, Community, Housing Affordability

Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) is a value-driven, nonprofit, affordable housing developer, providing services throughout Delaware, providing decent, safe, affordable housing solutions to people of modest means. MHDC is proudly becoming Delaware’s leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing.

Utilizing a comprehensive approach, MHDC offers a continuum of affordable housing services including transitional housing, rental housing, self-help housing, home repairs and rehabilitation, home buyers club, property management, preservation, single-family new construction, and engineering and site design.