Our Impact

Our Community Impact

Returning blighted properties back to Neighborhood Homes and Gardens

UNITS FOR INVESTOR REHAB FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

UNITS OF NONPROFIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING JOINT VENTURES

UNITS SOLD TO HOMESTEAD BUYERS FOR $1

UNITS OF INVESTOR REHAB AFFORDABLE RENTALS

vacant lots transferred to adjacent home owners

Parcels sold between 2018-2021

Urban Gardens that were leased

Unsafe structures removed

Building Valuable PARTNERSHIPS

2017
Jan 01

Delaware Center for Horticulture and The Nature Conservancy

Delaware Center for Horticulture and The Nature Conservancy

In 2017, WNCLB partnered with the Delaware Center for Horticulture and The Nature Conservancy to develop and promote the Clean and Green Program utilizing WNCLB vacant lots. Successfully greened lots reduce crime and improve the overall public health of its residents. In April 2018, WNCLB received a $50,000 State of Delaware Neighborhood Building Block grant to fund our greening objectives. To-date, the team has 6 Clean and Green lots with an additional 10 parcels scheduled for Spring 2021.

Jan 01

Advancing City Policies and Revitalization Strategies

Advancing City Policies and Revitalization Strategies

In 2017, WNCLB’s Technical and Advisory Committee was established meeting monthly to exchange ideas, advance policies, coordinate projects and collectively work towards a common goal: Bringing the City of Wilmington’s deteriorating communities back to life. Today, we have over 20 members from local nonprofits, public administration, community members and private investors committed to the transformation of the City’s neighborhoods.

Dec 04

Ninth Street Revitalization Project

Ninth Street Revitalization Project

Funded in conjunction with JPMorgan Chase and the Delaware State Housing Authority, the 9th Street Revitalization project combines acquisition and construction subsidy for 6 rehabilitated units on the 800 block of W 9th Street, in the City of Wilmington’s Trinity Vicinity neighborhood. In conjunction with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, (NCRC) creating 6 rehabilitated units, and Interfaith Community Housing, building 3 newly constructed homes, this coalition will bring a total of 9 new equitable homeownership opportunities transforming the entire 800 block of W 9th Street.

2018
Nov 30

Working Together To Create Stronger Neighborhoods

Working Together To Create Stronger Neighborhoods

WNCLB acquires, removes and holds strategic properties for our partners to fulfill their revitalization objectives. Some of our contributions include:

  • Meet weekly with the City of Wilmington Real Estate and Housing Department to collectively formulate strategic acquisitions/demolitions for large scale redevelopment projects. In 2020, City of Wilmington transferred 76 properties to WNCLB and refined the Sheriff Sale process to directly assign City units to WNCLB.
  • Provided $70,000 in funding for acquisition and demolition on the 700 block of Douglas Street to support Cornerstone West CDC Lifelines III Project supporting youth transitioning from foster care.
  • Joined together with the City of Wilmington, Cinnaire, and Delaware Valley Development Corporation to target the revitalization of the West Side Community developing a strategic plan to effectively deploy Delaware State Housing Authority’s Strong Neighborhood Funds.
  • Supporting the Wilmington Alliance Art-O-Mat project by transferring 503 7th Street.

Additional partnerships include: Cinnaire, Jump Start Program, Habitat for Humanity, NCALL, Woodlawn Trustees, NACA, and for-profit entities to meet the objectives of the City of Wilmington’s comprehensive plan.

2019
Jan 01

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Work and continue to engage community members to donate their homes to the Land Bank releasing them from criminal court for licenses and inspection violations and tax debt.

Apr 30

WNCLB and the Central Baptist Church CDC

WNCLB and the Central Baptist Church CDC

WNCLB and the Central Baptist Church CDC joined forces to create a workforce development program to employ the local residents of the East Side community responsible for WNCLB property maintenance. WNCLB funds 8 full-time City residents and the maintenance program which oversees 260 properties including the City and Habitat for Humanity parcels.

May 31

DNREC Grants

DNREC Grants

Initiated and received $1,500,000 in Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) grants to fund the remediation of environmental contaminants on 22 City of Wilmington lots.

2020
Jul 31

Affordable Quality Rental Policy

Affordable Quality Rental Policy

With the increasing demand for quality affordable rentals during the economic hardships brought on by the pandemic, WNCLB developed and launched an affordable rental policy based on HUD Fair Market Rental RATES with quality construction standards.

Removing Unsafe Structures

We hate to tear down our City’s structures. Especially when we know they were once a historically valued building or home. Unfortunately, demolitions are sometimes needed for the safety of our neighborhood. Homes that have been vacant and neglected for over 20 years can harbor criminal activity and pose a significant risk to adjacent homes and community members as well as decrease nearby property values. Today, in our City the average cost of demolishing one unit is about $55,000.  With this high cost paired with the City’s significant need, funding is essential to secure the safety of Wilmington’s neighborhoods.

Ready to get started?

Find a program that works best for your situation.