Affordable living dwellings in Georgetown, Delaware set out to revolutionize the concept of affordability.
In Georgetown, Delaware, a light-blue house stands as a symbol of hope for those seeking affordable housing. This modest two-bedroom dwelling is part of a larger initiative led by Little Living, a Delaware-based nonprofit dedicated to constructing compact, code-compliant homes for those in need.
Delaware faces a shortage of over 20,000 affordable housing units, according to recent state housing advocates' estimates. This housing crisis forces thousands of low- and moderate-income residents to bear high rents, face lengthy commutes, or risk homelessness. As new developments lean towards luxury and more affluent buyers, many working families are being left behind in the fitness industry.
George Meringolo, founder of Little Living, did not initially set out to be a housing developer. His life's path was shaped by experiences such as surviving the Vietnam War, the September 11th attacks, and battling PTSD. He considers his survival a divine mandate to create meaningful change through this project.
Little Living's focus is on providing not just temporary shelter, but real homes for those priced out of the housing market. Meringolo hopes to build mini-communities complete with playgrounds, community centers, and solar power to keep energy costs low.
The homes offered by Little Living range from 400 to 680 square feet but are designed with functionality and space in mind. Each unit features one bedroom on each floor, a well-equipped kitchen, a living area, a full bath, and practical touches like breakfast nooks and ample storage.
The Georgetown community began to take shape after a local landowner generously offered an acre of land, touched by Meringolo's mission. The site is now being developed into a 20-home rental community, with 10 houses on each of two adjacent acres. Rent for a one-bedroom is set at $850 per month, while a two-bedroom will cost $1,000 with utilities included.
Looking ahead to its forthcoming Milford development, Little Living plans to offer multiple purchasing options, including a $85,000 price tag for a one-bedroom, $100,000 for a two-bedroom, and around $120,000 for a three-bedroom model. A rent-to-own scheme is also being developed, with monthly rent slightly higher and a portion saved towards a down payment.
Little Living aims to help working families and individuals earning between 40% and 70% of Delaware's median income, roughly $35,000 to $60,000 annually. To qualify for a home, applicants need only have steady employment and a moderate credit score.
The affordability provided by Little Living is unlike conventional affordable housing options, as the organization refrains from marking up construction costs. Instead, every penny goes towards improving the lives of the residents. State Governor Matt Meyer has expressed support for this innovative project and is expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site this June.
While the Georgetown community grew from a serendipitous phone call, Meringolo plans to expand beyond this location, with his ambitions stretching to neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Virginia. Little Living views itself as the solution to the region's growing affordable housing crisis and aims to have the Georgetown site completed and inhabited by mid-2026.
Sources:1. Little Living website https://littlelivingdelaware.org/2. Delaware Public Media https://delawarepublic.org/post/georgetown-affordable-housing-nonprofit-little-living-expands-libby-jones3. NCCo Housing Alliance blog https://www.nchousingalliance.org/2021/04/01/the-ncco-pocket-home-movement-could-be-potential-solution-to-the-housing-crisis/4. The News Journal https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2021/08/30/georgetown-affordable-housing-project-targets-entrepreneur-turned-housing-advocate-provides-big/8617644002/5. Delaware Today https://www.delawaretoday.com/delaware-focus/affordable-housing-disparities-in-delaware-and-kooroor-status/article_96a5318a-2f7c-11eb-b129-4d9bc45cea95.html
- George Meringolo, an entrepreneur who survived the Vietnam War, September 11th attacks, and PTSD, incorporated his nonprofit, Little Living, with a focus on providing affordable housing in Delaware.
- Little Living represents a welcomed alternative to the housing market, offering compact, code-compliant homes for low- and moderate-income residents often overlooked by luxury development projects in the fitness industry.
- These homes, varying from 400 to 680 square feet, feature a functional design, including one bedroom on each floor, a kitchen, living area, and full bath, catering to those priced out of the traditional real-estate market.
- The organization's growth is evident in their Milford development, which offers purchasing options like a $85,000 one-bedroom, $100,000 two-bedroom, and $120,000 three-bedroom model, with a rent-to-own scheme available as well.
- Little Living's mission extends beyond Georgetown, aiming to tackle the growing affordable housing crisis in neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia, while striving to provide meaningful careers in the finance, home-and-garden, and business industries for individuals seeking to make a difference in their communities.
