CHEER breaks ground on major senior housing expansion in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Del. — CHEER, Inc. broke ground Tuesday on a major expansion of its 34-acre senior residential village in Georgetown, marking the start of a project officials say will address a growing need for affordable senior housing in Sussex County.

The first phase includes a new 59-unit apartment building — one of four planned for the site — along with a new administration and support services hub. Once complete, the expansion will allow CHEER to consolidate its operations under one roof while providing more housing options for older adults who want to remain in their communities.

“We have a lot of work to do around affordable housing here in Delaware,” said Delaware State Housing Authority Director Matthew Heckles. “We’re working on all fronts with Governor Meyer and Lieutenant Governor Evans to make sure we’re providing the framework for affordable housing development here in Delaware.”

Georgetown Mayor Bill West said the project will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local seniors.
“It’s heart-wrenching to see the way some of these seniors are living,” West said. “When they get into better conditions — and there’s nothing better than these apartments — it’s life-changing.”

Construction on the first building is expected to be completed by October 2026.