Often, there are stories of community leaders pulling together to change the quality of life within their neighborhoods. First State Community Loan Fund was able to witness firsthand how one such initiative was borne; when reviewed, it serves as a blueprint for self-empowerment.

Recently, Wilmington’s West side has experienced an upturn in the outlook of its residents. Where there once was crime and inadequate housing options, they have been replaced by optimism and the hope that comes with new and affordable housing developments.

The West Center City Homeownership Initiative grew out of the Trinity Episcopal Parish's desire to provide affordable housing in the church's west side neighborhood. With initial funding coming from the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund and Trinity Episcopal Parish, First State Community Loan Fund was able to secure additional funding from the Delaware State Housing Authority, MBNA America, Deutsche Bank Trust Company, Advanta Corporation and Juniper Bank. Total funding for this initiative was $ 1.6 million. As of this printing, 5 properties were under construction.

“This project began in 1997 when a group of Trinity leaders studied the urban housing crisis in our area and made affordable housing a mission priority for the congregation,” says the Rev. Anne Bonnyman, Rector of Trinity Parish. “It is very exciting now to see the dream become a reality.”

“I am really excited about this project,” says Vandell Hampton, Jr., Executive Director of First State Community Loan Fund. “I know the area that we are targeting has had problems in the past with crime and blight, however, I am encouraged by the recent development I have seen in West Center City. The Mayor and the City of Wilmington have made a commitment to this community through its RIZE Initiative and there are several local developers currently working in that area. If we all do a little bit, we will surely get the job done.”

The loan fund is being administered by First State Community Loan Fund and is accessible to local, non-profit developers, to acquire and renovate properties to sell as single-family units to first-time homebuyers. Currently, Community Housing Inc., Interfaith Housing Delaware and Cornerstone West have been approved as initial developers for the West Center City initiative.