Our Mission

As the largest direct provider of affordable housing opportunities in the State of Delaware, we’re committed to developing, providing, and managing safe, and affordable housing for low-income families in the city of Wilmington. Funded primarily by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, our mission is to provide well-maintained, decent, and safe housing in a professional, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner.

Our Vision

To create programs that help resident’s improve their economic standing, self sufficiency and increase community involvement. To engage private and public stakeholders on innovative projects that positively impact the city of Wilmington. To improve transparency and accountability in our business practices, and to identify and implement solutions that will help our residents and communities thrive.

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Administering nearly 1900 housing choice vouchers in a variety of programs

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Managing nearly 2000 units of public, tax credit and market rate housing

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Serving over 7000 low to moderate-income residents of the city of Wilmington

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Annual combined operating, capital, and voucher program budgets

We’re upgrading facilities, implementing green building practices, improving operational efficiency, and so much more. In short, we’re changing public housing in Wilmington from “the housing of last resort” to a home of new opportunity.

WHA Governance

John C. Carney

Governor of Delaware

Mike Purzycki

Mayor of Wilmington

Matthew S. Meyer

County Executive (New Castle)

Board of Commissioners

Steven Washington

Board Member

Background

Steven is a lifelong City resident who ran last year as an Independent candidate for Mayor of Wilmington. Washington has a master’s degree in education and has worked in the education field for 26 years. He is currently a special education teacher at the Talley Middle School. Washington, who attended the former Wilmington High School before being bused to McKean High School as part of the school desegregation process, also serves on the Board of Directors of Norfolk State University. Steven is a registered Independent.

Earl T. Jeter

Board Member

Background

A Certified Public Accountant and Principal at Jeter & Johnson, LLC, a CPA firm in Wilmington. An Adjunct Professor at Wilmington University and was previously employed as City Auditor of the City of Wilmington, Chief Financial Officer for Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, an Internal Revenue Service Agent and 10 years with public accounting firms.

James Spadola

Board Member

Background

James is a police officer with the City of Newark, Delaware. He is also an Army veteran who served a year-long tour in Iraq in 2003. With a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, Spadola is widely known for creating several community outreach programs as a police officer including the #HugACop campaign. He is a board member of his North Broom Street Condominium Association, Treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 and Vice President of the Delaware Avenue Community Association. James is a registered Republican.

Vincent White

Board Member

Background

Vincent is a local realtor and advocate for tenant rights and fair housing policies and is the only holdover from the current WHA board. He is also the Vice President of Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware and the Vice Chair of the Delaware Council on Housing. White is a former member of the New Castle County Board of Ethics, a former member of the Delaware Human Relations Commission and past President of the Delaware Real Estate Commission. Vincent is a registered Democrat.

Matthew Heckles

Board Member

Background

Matthew is the former Director of Finance, Policy and Planning for the Delaware State Housing Authority who is currently serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Heckles is a member of the Delaware Housing Coalition, past President of the Delaware Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Rehabilitation Organizations (NAHRO) and a former member of the Delaware Hispanic Commission. Matthew is a registered Democrat.

Maureene LaFate

Board Member

Background

Maureene J. LaFate was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She is a graduate of Antioch University. She has been an active community leader in the city of Wilmington for over 30 years. She is the President of the NCFC Organization representing residents within the Northeast community for over 20 years. Maureene served as a public member on the Delaware State Board of Geology for approximately 6 years. She is the former Acting Director of the Wilmington Senior Center/SCSEP Program. She held a transitory contract assignment with the Department of Labor prior to accepting the position as Assistant Program Manager of Sacred Heart Village II. Presently, she is the Program Director of the Ministry of Caring, Inc. Emmanuel Dining Room.

Ben Cohen

Board Member

Background

Ben is an Information Technology Manager with the Wilmington law firm of Richards, Layton and Finger. He sought an At-Large seat on Wilmington City Council in 2016. Cohen earned bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in political science from the University of Delaware. Cohen serves as the New Jersey and Delaware Director of the Youth Bible Quizzing program for the United Pentecostal Church. Cohen is immediate past President of the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors Association. Ben is a registered Republican.

Jane Vincent

Board Member

Background

More information pending

Betty Pinkett

Board Member

Background

Betty is our resident commissioner.

Senior Staff

John Hill

Executive Director

Karen A. Spellman

Deputy Executive Director

Christine Arnold

Special Assistant

Donna Starkey-Ford

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Roger Turk

Capital Projects and Development

Tyrone Malcom

Maintenance

Sarah Babaian

Information Technology

Rosemarie Bizune

Finance

Sandra Rosmini

Housing Management

Kathi Sulsky

Human Resources

Irmina Williams

Community & Supportive Services