NEW CASTLE – Today, Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, Inc. (HOND) recognized New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer with the Andrew Turner Award for their service to the housing community and the HOPE Center, at their 38th annual Fair Housing Observance & Awards luncheon.
The HOND luncheon’s theme was “Affordable Housing Matters: Closing the Gap Through Homeownership.” The event’s aim is to educate residents on fair housing and provides housing counseling services.
“It is an honor for the HOPE Center to be recognized by HOND,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “The purchase, the transition, and the continued positive outcomes of the HOPE Center is a true team effort; from our community services department led by Carrie Casey, County Council members, our housing partners in Hersha Hospitality, to Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans and Faithful Friends, we are so thankful for their partnership, and share this recognition with them.”
The HOPE Center has served over 1,200 people, and more than 130 families have transitioned to permanent housing.
About HOND
Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, Inc. (HOND) provides comprehensive housing counseling. It is a housing advocacy agency whose mission is to promote equal access to housing and educate about the fair housing laws. HOND provides pre-purchase, mortgage default prevention and credit repair programs to more than 3,000 residents statewide.
About Andrew Turner
Andrew Turner was the first Chair of the Delaware Human Relations Commission. He was a Wilmington Police Officer from 1953-1973 and was the department’s first African American Inspector. He left law enforcement in 1973 to work for New Castle County government in the office of the county executive, serving as criminal justice planner/coordinator. From 1976-78, he operated a small business, before returning to county government to become executive assistant to the director of public safety and, a year later, the county's first affirmative action coordinator. Mr. Turner held the latter position until he was appointed by the governor to his position in the Division of Human Relations. He was also instrumental in writing and advocating for Delaware’s Fair Housing Law. Mr. Turner was a life member of the NAACP and served on the executive committee of the Wilmington branch.