Delaware renters in need rescued by this premier team

Sheila B. Dobson had long desired to leave her mouse-infested apartment complex in Wilmington.

She was one of many low- to moderate-income renters struggling to find affordable housing.

"It was a horrible place," Dobson said of her last apartment.

In April 2023, Dobson was granted a Section 8 housing-choice voucher — her ticket out of an undesirable living situation.

She had just 60 days to sign a new lease or risk losing the voucher. She gave notice to her landlord and applied to move into a new apartment complex. However, the site was still under construction, and every time she inquired about the occupancy status, she was told there was a delay.

As the expiration of her voucher loomed, the 65-year-old found herself in a predicament faced by many renters, whether they hold a voucher or not. Uncertain about her options or what steps to take, she was worried.

Determined to move out of her old apartment, Dobson went to the Wilmington Housing Authority where she met the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team. The team offers comprehensive support for low-to-moderate-income renters in search of affordable housing — and to landlords seeking reliable tenants.

Despite the limited availability of affordable housing, the team successfully places renters in quality homes, all the while addressing the factors contributing to their housing instability.

The Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team

The day Dobson visited the Wilmington Housing Authority she met Wayne Jefferson, the supervisor of the housing authority's Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team.

Jefferson advised Dobson to search for a new residence, and she promptly found one. He helped her get a 30-day extension for her voucher, allowing her a chance to inspect the unit before committing to the lease. He also presented her with additional rental options and offered her other resources.

More than a year later, Dobson is happy in her new place and grateful for Jefferson's support.

"He's my hero," Dobson said. "He was always there for me no matter what it was."

An initiative of the Wilmington Housing Authority, the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team was established in October 2022 to help people with Section 8 housing choice vouchers who were struggling to secure housing before their vouchers expired. Wes Southall, a consultant who heads the team, contracts with the Wilmington Housing Authority and the New Castle County Hope Center to find affordable housing for their clients.

However, with affordable housing in short supply, the team has accepted referrals from other housing advocates, Delaware 211, the Division of Social Services, state legislators, the Wilmington mayor's office and legal aid organizations. They've also expanded their housing placements to include all three counties of Delaware.

Helping renters address the causes of housing insecurity

A former Division of Social Services manager, Southall attributes the program's success to the wrap-around services provided by his team. These services include addressing the factors contributing to a person's housing insecurity or homelessness.

If a renter's credit score or financial profile is a barrier to housing, they may be directed to work with a personal financial coach through Stand By Me , a joint project between the state of Delaware and the United Way of Delaware. If they need assistance with unpaid utility bills, the team can point them to nonprofits that provide help. Additionally, the team assists clients in need of transportation during apartment hunting.

Southall, who is based at the New Castle County Hope Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays, said most of their clients seek help because they are unsure how to find housing that accepts vouchers. However, the team's assistance is tailored to each client's circumstance, including:

• Those in need of affordable housing appropriate for their family size.
• People who just want to rent a room.
• Military veterans.
• Individuals who have aged out of the foster care system.

According to Southall, The Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team on average places 10 to 12 renters in affordable housing every month. They have placed 77 families since January.

Comprehensive support for tenant and landlord

In Delaware, landlords can legally decline renters who use housing vouchers, making it challenging for many to find landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. "We've seen tenants have to take much longer, between the time that they're issued the voucher and when they can find a landlord that will rent to them," Matthew Heckles, regional administrator of Housing and Urban Development said.

However, the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team's approach has led to increased opportunities and choices for WHA clients during their housing search and HUD officials have taken notice.

HUD has been collaborating with housing authorities and partners across the region to engage landlords and encourage them to rent to voucher holders. "I'm thrilled that Wilmington is a leading partner on this," Heckles said.

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From public assistance to assisting tenants and landlords

Many landlords working with the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team find their comprehensive support, addressing the root causes of a renter's housing instability, a positive benefit. Over the past two years, Southall said he has received few complaints about the tenants he has referred because they are paying their rent on time and taking care of their homes.

"I haven't had to bring up any issues regarding a tenant in terms of rent or other of the typical disputes," said Pam Hill, a landlord who rents to tenants referred to her by the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team. "They check-in proactively to see how things are going."

Because of the support the team provides, landlords like Hill are now recommending the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team to other property owners.

"We started off with maybe four or five landlords, and we're working with well over or close to 100 landlords in the state of Delaware now," Southall said.

While Southall is a landlord, he also identifies with the families he assists.

"I'm a product of supportive services," said Southall, who was born and raised in North Philadelphia where families were often stigmatized. "Those folks are not asking for a handout. They're just asking for support."

For more information and assistance, you can email the Premier Rapid Housing Placement Team at DAHGResource@whadelaware.org or call 302-429-6700.

You can c ontact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware renters in need rescued by this premier team