An organization working to end homelessness for families with children has a new shelter in northern New Castle County.
Family Promise recently doubled its shelter capacity when it opened its Hospitality Center off Kirkwood Highway.
The new space features twenty beds— space for roughly six families— in two cottages, which each have a common area and a kitchenette.
Family Promise Director Carolyn Gordon says families tend to stay in the shelter spaces an average of two months before the organization is able to help them move into their own housing.
“They may show up to us with a couple of garbage bags to their name— they’ve lost housing, they've lost a vehicle, they've lost pets in the process, hope— but within two months, they can start piecing all that back, and be in their own place,” she said.
Gordon says the organization negotiates with landlords, provides direct financial assistance to families, and supports individuals’ career development.
The Hospitality Center opened in November and— according to Family Promise officials— was full within 24 hours.
“A lot of the reports that come out show that the number one reason people could not access shelter is because of their family composition or their family size. We can work with any composition of family and any size of family— provided we have the space,” said Gordon.
According to the organization, 18 children in Delaware become homeless every day.
