Inside Wilmington Housing Authority
About Us
The Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) was established 1938, one year after the passage of the Housing Act of 1937, to improve living conditions for low-income families in the City of Wilmington. Since that time our mission has expanded to include managing and developing safe, decent, and affordable housing for low income families in a professional, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner. Our vision has expanded to also improve the communities in which we provide housing by enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Accomplishments
Looking back over the last several years it's exciting to see that changes that have taken place within our organization and within our communities. At the WHA we've tightened our belt, rolled up our sleeves, and gotten our hands dirty. We've upgraded facilities, implemented green building and energy practices, increased our operational efficiency, improved our policies, and restored communities. We've changed neighborhoods and lives for the better, and there's more to come.
Board of Commissioners
Much of the success of WHA is due to the faithful men and women behind the scenes of the agency, particularly our Board of Commissioners. WHA's nine member "Board" is made up of professionals from a variety of fields who work with the Executive Director to ensure that the agency is managed efficiently, effectively and with integrity. Seven of the Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Wilmington and one each is appointed by the Governor of Delaware and the New Castle County Executive. In accordance with HUD requirements, Board members serve 3 year terms, but can be re-appointment by the appointing authority.
Executive Director
Frederick Purnell, Sr. came to the Wilmington Housing Authority as Executive Director in April 2000 after having served over sixteen years in a variety of positions at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, including Deputy and Interim Executive Director. Fred is the immediate past President of the Mid Atlantic Regional Council (MARC) for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. (NAHRO), serves on the Board of Directors of Delaware NAHRO and The Challenge Program, is President of the Wilmington Revitalization Corporation and a licensed Realtor in De. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Finance, the Urban Leagues "Leadership Institute" in Philadelphia and a Certified Professional Housing Manager.
