Code Purple shelter opens at former Troop 7

A Code Purple shelter at the former Troop 7 building on Route 1 near Lewes opened Dec. 7, just in time for the first cold snap of the season.

This year, Love Inc. of Mid-Delmarva, operators of Code Purple shelters, and the Community Resource Center, based in Rehoboth Beach, have partnered to create a comprehensive system of care to address the needs of the homeless in the Cape Region.

Under the plan, clients will stay at the Code Purple shelter overnight and go by bus to the resource center for the day.

With financial support from the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches, Discover Bank, Community Resiliency Fund and Sussex County government, the partners have developed a coordinated plan to support and house the homeless through March 15, 2021.

Jo Allegro-Smith, director of the Community Resource Center, said working in tandem to catalyze sustainable action, the partnership will help homeless in the area gain access to continuous support and safe shelter, along with state, county and community resources among the agencies’ partner networks.

Limited space at shelter

Because of social distancing requirements, the Cape Region Code Purple shelter will be able to house 14 males each night, said Susan Kent, Love Inc. executive director. Females and families will be referred to other Code Purple shelters in the county.

Reservations will be required each day as bed space is limited. Reservations must be made by 3 p.m. each day, by calling 302-629-7050 (Monday-Friday) and leaving the client’s name or by calling 302-519-0024 (Saturday, Sunday, and after 3 p.m. on weekdays) and leaving a name for a reservation.

The program is open every day from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., regardless of outside temperature.

Volunteers will be available on-site to check clients in, spend time visiting with them, and provide food for evening meals and snacks. Paid staff members will supervise ongoing activities throughout the night and make referrals to community case workers or navigators to help with more permanent housing arrangements or additional support services.

The use of the former Delaware State Police barracks, considered state surplus property, for the second year is thanks to the efforts of Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach.

Center will provide day services

The Community Resource Center will provide two shelter sessions each day from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. In each session, staff will support up to 15 to 20 clients, and provide food, shelter, and facilities for bathing and washing clothes. Clients can also work through issues requiring ongoing support with social services, seek employment assistance through the job center and attend programs providing mental health/addiction treatment services and physical well-being skills education. At the conclusion of each session, as clients require, they will receive a two-ride bus pass for transportation to the overnight shelter program and return to the center the following morning.

A public health crisis in Sussex

“This is an urgent situation, particularly in Sussex County. The need for shelter significantly exceeds the availability, and with businesses closed or limiting access, the lingering pandemic elevates this situation to a public health crisis,” said Allegro-Smith.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the social weak points and exacerbated a systemic issue in eastern Sussex County for the homeless community.

Unlike other counties in Delaware, there are not adequate shelter facilities in Sussex County to address the complex needs of a growing homeless population. In 2019, homelessness in Sussex County increased by 40 percent, while there was a 15 percent reduction for the state as a whole, she said.

“In addition to scant availability of overnight shelters, the lingering pandemic has closed or limited access to many of the places that homeless people go for refuge during the day. Literally, the homeless have nowhere to go. This creates an urgent health and safety issue particularly during the winter months and especially during a public health emergency,” Allegro-Smith said.

For more information or to make a donation:

Donations to Community Resource Center, 37510 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, Attn: Jo Allegro-Smith, Director. Note homeless program on the memo line of the check. For more information, call 302-727-4572.

Website: rehobothcommunitycenter.org

To volunteer for the Code Purple shelter, text your name, phone number and how you would like to help to 302-745-1935.

Donations to Love Inc. of Mid-Delmarva, PO Box 542, Seaford, DE 19973. Note Code Purple on the memo line of the check.

Website: codepurplesussexcounty.com