By Mike Finney

DOVER — Thirteen programs from nine Delaware nonprofit organizations were the recipients of Home4Good grant funding that will assist in their efforts to reduce homelessness.

The Delaware State Housing Authority and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh recently announced the $1.075 million in Home4Good funds, to be used to address three key areas: homelessness diversion, rapid rehousing and innovation.

“We’re honored to be a part of this initiative and proud to support the organizations working to address homelessness through a multitude of different approaches,” DSHA director Eugene R. Young Jr. said in a press release. “From rapid re-housing to innovation, each program plays a valuable role in ensuring Delawareans have access to housing opportunities and support services.”

The numbers say the assistance is much needed.

Homelessness in Delaware increased 35% from 2020-21, when 1,579 people were found to be experiencing it Jan. 27, 2021, during the annual Point-in-Time Count conducted by Housing Alliance Delaware.

“I applaud the many partners who are helping our neighbors find shelter,” U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said, “and thank FHLBank Pittsburgh, the Delaware State Housing Authority, and their members and housing partners for coming together to help families in our great state receive housing funding and services.”

Grants were awarded to Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Catholic Charities Inc., Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, Ministry of Caring Inc., People’s Place II, The Salvation Army, The Way Home, West End Neighborhood House and YWCA Delaware.

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester said the need for funding in the battle against homelessness is vital to the overall health of Delaware.

“We know that far too many Delawareans are experiencing homelessness in our state,” Rep. Blunt Rochester said. “This Home4Good funding will be instrumental in helping Delaware organizations continue to provide support and resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the state.

“I’m grateful to the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for recognizing the need for more funding to these organizations in order to reduce homelessness across our state and help Delawareans get back on their feet.”

Home4Good was established by FHLBank Pittsburgh and has been combined with DSHA funds to combat homelessness with the support of FHLBank member financial institutions.
The funding will be distributed as grants to organizations that help individuals retain or find housing, provide supportive services or address other unmet needs within the existing homeless provider network.

The grants are supported by FHLBank members, including Arch Reinsurance Co., Artisans’ Bank, Community Bank Delaware, County Bank, Del-One Federal Credit Union, Dover Federal Credit Union, First Citizens Community Bank, Fulton Bank and Genworth Life Insurance Co.
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons also applauded the Home4Good funding.

“Every Delawarean should have a place to call home, and this funding is one of the most crucial ways to make sure we accomplish that,” he said. “Home4Good strengthens our existing resources and infrastructure by supporting organizations that are already doing great work to assist those in our state facing homelessness.”