Introduction to the Department of Community Services:
The New Castle County Department of Community Services provides a wide range of services to New Castle County residents and visitors that build communities, improve neighborhoods, and ensure safe places and spaces for people of all ages and abilities to live, learn, socialize, and play. Divisions include Community Development and Housing, Community Resources, and Libraries.
Hope Center Overview:
The New Castle County Hope Center provides temporary, emergency non-congregate shelter for Delaware residents experiencing homelessness. The Hope Center houses individuals and families in a converted hotel purchased by New Castle County in 2020. The County oversees shelter operations, and a partner company manages hotel operations. The Hope The Center provides wrap-around services, including medical care, healthcare, addiction services, and case management, to investigate other social services, workforce opportunities, and opportunities for permanent housing. The Hope Center houses approximately 400 individuals, including 100-150 children at any given time, aiming to find permanent housing within 30 to 90 days. Currently, a United Way program provides onsite activities and organizes events and field trips for families, but no academic enrichment program exists for K-12 students. This RFP seeks to find an experienced partner to engage youths at the shelter and provide individual after-school tutoring to advance their academic potential. The Hope Center Academic Enrichment Program is intended to focus on academics and supplement the services provided by the United Way. The County will oversee the program’s effectiveness by speaking with students, families, and teachers and reviewing individual student progress reports.
Annual Socks Drive:
Socks are the #1 most requested clothing item in homeless shelters. – Bombas
Sock collection boxes are placed across New Castle County at libraries, recreation centers, and county offices. The 20 convenient locations make it simple for New Castle County residents to make sock donations. In partnership with New Castle County, Charity Crossing has collected 8,000 pairs of socks to help the community stay warm.
Glasgow Park Partnership:
The Glasgow Park “Red” Bank Barn in the farm complex is home to Charity Crossing’s giveaway events. The partnership between Charity Crossing and New Castle County began in the summer of 2022, growing from one to two events per month. These events serve families, individuals, veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals in need. Donations to the public include household items, school supplies, and other personal items. At least 400 to 500 people benefit every month.
Each people attending the event receive at least $25 worth of donations. By the end of 2022, at least 5,000 community members would have received $125,000 worth of donations.
