Community leaders, housing advocates and elected officials gathered in Milford Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of Lafayette Place, a new affordable housing development expected to bring dozens of homeownership opportunities to working families in Kent County.

U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks announced nearly $69.5 million in federal funding for dozens of community projects across Maryland, including several on the Eastern Shore.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $1 million in funding through the fiscal year 2026 Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill to support affordable homeownership initiatives in the region.