On Wednesday afternoon County Executive Tom Gordon and County Councilman Jea Street attended the Challenge Program’s ribbon cutting that culminated New Castle County’s partnership with this nonprofit to build a modular home in West Minquadale.
The property was purchased by the New Castle County Department of Community Services through federal funding provided for the County’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Community Services General Manager Sophia Hanson said. The Challenge Program then used HOME Program federal funds to construct a modular home at this property, with the goal of selling the finished product to a first-time homebuyer.
The Challenge Program provides vocational training in construction for Delaware’s at-risk youth, provides them with assistance in earning a high school diploma or GED, and also assists youths with job placement.
“This is a great partnership with a worthy program that helps young people find their way,” County Executive Gordon said. “We have some bright, young people who just need a second chance. Construction is an excellent venue for them because it’s one of the main things that cannot be imported out of this country.”
The County Executive visited the Challenge Program’s construction crew at 6 Frazier Avenue, W. Minquadale, New Castle Del, on a chilly day back in February. He was impressed with the finished product unveiled Wednesday.
Councilman Street was also impressed and called the young people who worked on this home the true stars. In a time of economic hardship for many, Councilman Street said he was glad to be able to call these youths carpenters, and he thanked Challenge Program Board of Directors Chairman Charlie Copeland and Executive Director Andrew McKnight for the guidance this program provided these youths.
-30-