In 2020, New Castle County in Delaware found itself the proud owner of a multi-storey hotel. It was the early days of COVID, and the building was quickly repurposed to provide temporary housing for people who were homeless.
Today, the County still owns the building, which goes by a new name “The Hope Center.” And there’s a lot going on under the roof.
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- On one floor, a local hospital provides care to discharged patients who no longer need to be in the hospital but can’t function at home (if they have one). The health care, which includes medical tests and mental health services, is also offered to other people staying in the building.
- Another floor operates as an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness, as the are rooms large enough to accommodate up to eight people.
- People staying at the Hope Center are allowed to have pets. There are veterinary services offered throughout the building.
- One floor will shortly be operating permanent supported housing to people who have had long bouts of homelessness.
Local residents were at first apprehensive when the County purchased and repurposed the building. However, as the article below relates, the same neighbours have changed their views, thanks to diligent work by the County.
Is it time to think about opening another Hope Center? When asked this question, Carrie Casey, who is responsible for managing the Hope Center responded,
“I don’t really think we need another Hope Center. I think we need more housing.”
Read more about the Hope Center in Shelterforce: What Started as Emergency Housing Could Offer a Model for Ending Homelessness in Delaware
