Delaware State Housing Authority Awards Catholic Charities Over $198,000

July 18, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington was awarded a $168,934 grant for homelessness prevention and a $30,000 grant for shelter operations at Casa San Francisco in Milton, Delaware, for the fiscal year 2024 by the Delaware State Housing Authority.  

Lisa Schieffert, Director of Program Operations for Catholic Charities, said, “Catholic Charities celebrates this partnership with the Delaware State Housing Authority to deliver important services to avoid homelessness for families and individuals at risk. These funds will enable Catholic Charities to continue to transform communities by helping the poor and marginalized.”

To reduce homelessness and minimize evictions, Catholic Charities provides financial support to qualified households for rent, mortgage, and utility expenses. Case managers work with those affected to offer budget coaching, tenant education, and planning for stable housing. Other services include assistance procuring employment and childcare, and access to health care and community resources.

Loss of employment and health insurance, with rising costs for food and utilities, are factors that may increase the risk of homelessness. To meet that need, Casa San Francisco provides an emergency shelter in Milton, Delaware serving 85 clients per year for an average 60-day stay. Applicants must be age 18 or older with proof of identification, meet Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eligibility requirements defining homelessness, and be capable of following Casa’s guidelines. The program is designed to help residents locate and maintain permanent housing upon discharge.

Catholic Charities provides critical social services to those in need in Delaware and the Eastern shore of Maryland. More information is available at ccwilm.org or by contacting one of the local offices.