NEW CASTLE, Del. – County Executive Tom Gordon, United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, Inc., and Councilman George Smiley are scheduled to hold a ribbon cutting this morning for the property that the County and the nonprofit organization have transformed into a new home for people with disabilities.
Using federal funds through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the County Department of Community Services purchased 117 Robinson Drive, New Castle in 2011 from Beneficial Partners, Inc. Working in partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, Inc., the property was then extensively renovated to become a “model” home for people with physical disabilities.
Specifically, the house was converted from a three-bedroom to a two-bedroom home that is 100 percent compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with two bedrooms and two handicapped accessible bathrooms, a shared living and kitchen area. The home will remain a deed restricted special needs rental unit for 30 years.
Clients are currently being interviewed to live in the property and will be receiving subsidies from the State of Delaware Rental Assistance Program.
Since 2008, New Castle County has been the recipient of $13.4 million in one-time federal funding through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). These funds are administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).
United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware Executive Director Bill McCool will serve as emcee of today’s ribbon cutting. In addition to County Executive Gordon and Councilman Smiley, Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi is scheduled to give remarks. County Community Services General Manager Alan J. Matas is expected to attend as well.