New Castle – New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced the HOPE Center of New Castle County will be hosting an open house to mark the second anniversary of the HOPE Center serving Delawareans who are experiencing homelessness.
New Castle County is asking the public to RSVP, if they plan to attend the event.
Two years ago, the property was purchased by New Castle County at action with $19.5 million in federal CARES Act dollars and welcomed their first guests less than a month after settlement on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, just prior to an impending snowstorm in New Castle County.
The HOPE Center has gone on to serve more than 2,000 guests (685 households), ranging from newborns (17 babies born while at the HOPE Center) to guests over 90 years old. HOPE Center has also helped displaced families from Adams Street, Hurricane Ida, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. More than 200 people have moved into permanent housing.
The HOPE Center is also animal friendly with residents ranging from dogs
(27), cats (18), guinea pigs (7), a hamster, a bearded dragon, a red slider turtle and one beta fish.
New Castle County’s communications team along with creative partner Short Order Films produced a documentary on the building’s first year and were recognized with a regional Emmy award. The documentary, called “The Pathway Home” can be viewed HERE has more than 6,500 views.
The HOPE Center is supported by dozens of community organizations and partnerships like Fair Chance (job training/placement), Family Promise of Northern New Castle County (onsite case management and rapid rehousing, ChristianaCare (1,035 patient visits), Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans (veterans experiencing homelessness placed 14 in permanent housing, King’s Table (food donation) and145 community groups have volunteered their time, talents and treasures to the HOPE Center residents.
Services that the HOPE Center provides for their guests include COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, 24 hour on-site staffing and case management by DCHV, medical and behavioral health services, transportation to schools, jobs, and medical appointments, housing navigation and exit planning, after school activities and animal support by Faithful Friends.
About the HOPE Center
The New Castle County Hope Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. The Mission of the New Castle County Hope Center, Inc. is to provide financial support to the New Castle County Hope Center. The Hope Center’s mission is to house and support individuals & families experiencing homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic.