Wanda Spiering

The meeting focused on the kickoff of a pilot program for zoning and land use reform, featuring updates on special projects and technical assistance. Key discussion topics included an overview of the program timeline, the development of an interactive online platform for public engagement, a fiscal health analysis of residential development patterns, and a mapping analysis regarding housing types permitted by zoning. Additionally, presentations were conducted to debunk myths surrounding density and to differentiate between market-rate and subsidized affordable housing.

The 2026 Annual Action Plan for Delaware outlines specific programs and funding allocations for housing and community development needs, aligning with the broader 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan goals. Key priorities include enabling sustainable homeownership through assistance and rehabilitation, expanding and preserving affordable rental housing, mitigating homelessness and increasing access to supportive housing, preventing foreclosures, and supporting local community development initiatives.

This document provides a recap of Phase 1 reports for the Delaware Interagency Collaborative to End Homelessness, outlining its foundational process and future implementation strategies. It details the collaborative's approach, which involved cross-agency engagement, data and system assessment, community voice, and external expert input. The delivered Phase 1 roadmap focuses on immediate system improvements and long-term infrastructure, specifically targeting expanded outreach and coordinated intake, enhanced emergency shelter and navigation, and the establishment of pathways for long-term housing stability. Future implementation will be driven by ten subcommittees structured across the homelessness continuum, with key focus areas including decreasing disproportionality, data and outcomes, youth homelessness, emergency shelter (Code Purple) evaluation, and supportive services for special populations, aiming to transition from recommendations to concrete actions to end homelessness.

This CDBG-RHP Action Plan for the State of Delaware outlines the utilization of approximately $1.25 million in federal funding to provide stable, temporary housing for individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder. The plan establishes state priorities and needs for sober living and transitional housing, aligning with Delaware's strategic drivers for behavioral health, which include engaging and stabilizing individuals, improving coordination between organizations, ensuring seamless access to care, providing person-centered support, and building resilient communities. The strategic approach aims to strengthen the Continuum of Care by intensifying existing efforts and adding supports, with anticipated outcomes including assisting 15-20 households and transitioning 10-15 individuals to permanent housing.

The meeting provided an overview of the Phase One report regarding efforts to end homelessness, detailing key findings from public engagement, data analysis, and expert input. Discussions focused on the transition to an implementation phase, which involves the formation of 10 subcommittees tasked with addressing specific areas of the homelessness continuum, such as outreach, shelter capacity, and supportive housing. The meeting established the framework for these subcommittees, defined their leadership roles, and outlined expectations for reporting progress and future quarterly check-in meetings.