Episodes

  • Episode 14: Staying Swift With ReStore Thrifts
    Sep 23 2025

    In this episode, Host and CEO Kevin Smith sits down with Dennis Martin, our Donations Procurement Coordinator, to shine a spotlight on the heartbeat of our ReStore. Dennis shares how we partner with great companies across the county, the behind-the-scenes process of donation pickups, and what kinds of items make the most significant impact when donated.

    From keeping usable goods out of landfills to helping fund affordable housing programs, every donation to the ReStore tells a story of sustainability and community building. Whether you’re a business looking to partner or an individual curious about what you can give, this episode offers valuable insight into how your contributions power Habitat’s mission.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 13: Evolution of the Volunteer
    Jul 15 2025

    In this inspiring episode of the H.O.P.E. Podcast, host Kevin Smith is joined by Keilah Hanley, Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, for a deep dive into the heartbeat of Habitat: our volunteers. Discover what it’s really like to serve on a build site, support the ReStore, and join neighborhood revitalization projects. Keilah shares behind-the-scenes stories, common volunteer experiences, and how volunteering transforms not just communities, but the volunteers themselves. You’ll also learn how to get started, what roles are available, and why no prior experience is needed—just a willing heart. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just thinking about getting involved, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a call to action. Tune in and be part of the revolution that’s changing lives across New Castle County.

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    21 mins
  • Episode 12: Building Hope: How to Become a Habitat Homeowner
    May 16 2025

    In this powerful episode, Host and Habitat NCC CEO Kevin Smith sits down with Maritza Martinez, our Homeownership Program Manager, and Mai Pannah, Case Manager for our “Almost Home” program, to explore how Habitat is opening doors to stability and equity in Wilmington through affordable homeownership and rent-to-own opportunities.

    Learn how our traditional homeownership pathway helps families build strength and self-reliance—and how the Almost Home program bridges the gap for families who are close to qualifying for a mortgage but need just a little more time and support.

    Whether you're curious about applying, partnering, or learning how these programs are transforming lives across our community, this episode is a must-listen.

    🔗 Tune in now and be inspired by the stories and strategy behind building a better future for New Castle County families.

    #HabitatHOPEPodcast #HabitatNCC #AffordableHousing #Homeownership #RentToOwn #AlmostHome #BuildingFutures #CommunityImpact

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    23 mins
  • Episode 11: Revitalizing Wilmington
    Apr 1 2025

    Join Host and CEO Kevin Smith as he explores the power of neighborhood revitalization in Wilmington with special guest Roshida Austin, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager.

    In this episode, we discuss how Habitat is transforming communities beyond homeownership, focusing on safety, beautification, and long-term investment in families and neighborhoods. We also discuss what volunteering with us looks like and events we have coming up to join in on the fun!

    From restoring vacant lots to empowering residents, Roshida shares how collaboration and community-driven efforts are creating lasting change. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, challenges, and the vision for a brighter, stronger Wilmington.

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    20 mins
  • Episode 10: Critical Repairs and Aging in Place
    Nov 15 2024

    HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith is joined by Scott Bosley, HFHNCC's Associate Director of Repairs. During this episode, Kevin and Scott discuss Critical Home Repairs and our Aging in Place initiatives that Habitat provides in the city of Wilmington and throughout New Castle County. They will touch on the importance of what we do, how we make it possible with help from donors like you, as well as how these repairs can help uplift those who receive it.

    For more information, visit https://www.habitatncc.org

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    20 mins
  • Episode 9: Habitat Builds and Our Impact
    Aug 15 2023

    HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith is joined by Mike Purzycki, the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware. During this episode, Kevin and Mayor Purzycki discuss affordable housing in Delaware, the programs Habitat provides in the city of Wilmington, The city working with Habitat on community initiatives, and where Wilmington is headed in the coming years with more Habitat homes being built.

    To learn more about the City of Wilmington, visit https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/

    For more information, visit https://www.habitatncc.org

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    30 mins
  • Episode 8: The Delaware Affordable Housing Crisis
    Mar 15 2023

    HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith is joined by Eugene Young, the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). During this episode, Kevin and Eugene discuss the affordable housing crisis in Delaware, the programs available for low-income families from DSHA, DSHA's partnership with HFHNCC, and where DSHA is headed in the coming years.

    To learn more about DSHA, visit http://www.destatehousing.com

    For more information, visit https://www.habitatncc.org

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    44 mins
  • Episode 7: A Healthy Homes Needs Assessment
    Feb 12 2023

    HFHNCC CEO Kevin Smith, is joined by Kevin Gilmore and Tim Bailey. Kevin is the CEO of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and Tim is the Executive Director of Central Delaware's Habitat for Humanity. During this episode, Kevin, Kevin, and Time will discuss a recent Needs Assessment for Repairs to Low-Income, Owner-Occupied Housing in Delaware. The results of this study would not be possible without our partners Delaware Community Foundation and the University of Delaware Biden School of Administration and Public Policy.

    For more information, visit https://www.habitatncc.org.

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    20 mins