County Executive Meyer announces NACo national recognition for Hope Center

NEW CASTLE - Today, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced that New Castle County's Hope Center was recognized by the National Association of Counties as a 2022 Achievement Award winner for the work New Castle County and the Hope Center has done. The annual awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

"We are pleased and honored to be recognized by the National Association of Counties for New Castle County's Hope Center," said County Executive Meyer. "It's really a testament to our staff, our partners, and the volunteers who come in everyday with a singular focus; and that is our guests. We're also extremely proud of our past guests who have gone on to secure permanent housing within our community, once again, showing that the Hope Center's work in meaningful and impactful to our County residents."

NACo President Larry Johnson said, "All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe and thriving communities."

Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

Started in 1970, NACo's annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.

About the Hope Center

In December 2020, New Castle County Government purchased a 192-room former hotel using $19.5 million in Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to address two public health crises (homelessness and COVID-19). The project provides emergency non-congregate housing for people experiencing homelessness with the goal of reducing exposure to COVID-19 while providing support, including case management and health services. On December 15, 2020, the Hope Center opened and welcomed 73 street level homeless and within two weeks, the Hope Center accepted referrals from Delaware's Motel Voucher Program. Designed to reduce spread of COVID-19, residents are placed in individual rooms. Guests have access onsite to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Guests are provided transportation. There is a clinic for mental health and substance abuse, with services 7 days a week. The Presidential Suite is a medical office providing holistic medical services. An afterschool program operates onsite for Hope Center children. The Hope Center allows pets and partners with an animal shelter for pet care. Since opening, the Hope Center has served 1,100 people (465 households) and 50 pets. The Hope Center has transitioned 115 households (350 people) to permanent housing.