First State Times

U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced $750,000 in federal funding to replace a portion of the New Castle County Hope Center’s roof and invest in transportation support. Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester were joined by New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and Division of Community Development and Housing for New Castle County Manager Nicole Waters for the announcement. This funding was secured by Delaware’s congressional delegation through the federal appropriations process.

“The Hope Center continues to provide shelter, services and support for homeless Delawareans, and with this funding, we can help The Hope Center serve more people in need,” said Senator Carper. “Everyone deserves access to a safe roof over their head, and I’m proud we could deliver this funding to do just that in New Castle County.”

“When we discuss initiatives to address homelessness, we often talk about the deserved dignity of having a roof over one’s head,” said Senator Coons. “We are announcing federal funding that will provide such dignity to some of our community’s most vulnerable who are deserving of decent and safe housing.” 

“Safe, affordable, and reliable housing is a basic right, and no Delawarean should have to worry about if they will have a roof over their head at night,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “Safe and reliable housing is foundational to everything – from employment and education to childcare and caretaking. That’s why I’m proud to have secured this federal funding alongside Senators Carper and Coons, which will be critical to supporting the Hope Center’s important and life-changing work. With this funding, the Hope Center will be able to provide more Delawareans experiencing homelessness with temporary housing, the first step in connecting them with permanent housing and a hopeful future.”

“This is an important day for the Hope Center and its residents,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “We’re incredibly thankful to our federal delegation partners of Sens. Carper, Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. We look forward to their continued support and partnership in the success of the Hope Center and those who call it home.”

New Castle County Hope Center Roof Replacement and Transportation Support

The project will replace a 26,000-square-foot area of the Hope Center roof. Currently, during rain and/or snow weather events, there are several locations where the roof is leaking including 5 rooms and the ballroom. The rooms cannot be used to house people because of the leaks. Funding will also support transportation drivers, gas, and vehicle maintenance to support the approximately 100 riders per day. 

The Hope Center provides temporary emergency non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness.  The hotel was purchased to increase the capacity of the homeless system during COVID-19 by providing additional hotel room space. The Hope Center offers wrap-around comprehensive services including substance abuse and mental health counseling, case management, and primary care. The objective is to transition Hope Center guests into permanent housing. To date, the Hope Center has served 2533 people and placed 261 families into permanent housing.

For those interested in temporary emergency shelter at the Hope Center, please contact your local State Service Center at 1-866-843-7212 or online by clicking here. 

Original source can be found here.