Lewes Code Purple gets $50,000 in CARES Act funds
A nightly Code Purple shelter is up and running at the former Troop 7 building along Route 1 outside Lewes.
Officials gathered Dec. 11 to tour the building, offer thanks to those who made the shelter possible and acknowledge the receipt of a $50,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant.
House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, said the funds would be used for much-needed supplies and hotel room vouchers.
Schwartzkopf said the funds came from New Castle County government thanks to the efforts of County Executive Matt Meyer, who attended the event. New Castle County received $322.8 million in CARES Act funds for a variety of COVID-19-related programs.
“He didn't hesitate at all, and it's because of relationships we've built over time,” Schwartzkopf said.
“The virus and homelessness do not stop at the county line,” Meyer said. “It's our job to protect our people all the time, and especially now.”
“I want to thank the volunteers and staff who open their hearts to the less fortunate to make sure they are taken care of, yet there is still more work to be done,” said Rep. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes.
Love Inc. of Mid-Delmarva and the Community Resource Center based in Rehoboth Beach have teamed up this year to provide shelter and services to the homeless. Love Inc. operates the Code Purple shelter from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night while the center provides services – including meals and showers – during the day.
“The story of Love Inc. would make a great movie,” Lopez said. “And the cast is right here. They know how to get things done.”
Susan Kent, Love Inc. executive director, said she's calling on people to become part of the solution to end homelessness. “This year especially, we need multiple ways to serve the homeless,” she said.
Jo Allegro-Smith, CRC director, said with the support of small nonprofit organizations, the homeless are being served day and night seven days a week.
The Rev. Jeffrey Ross, pastor of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes, offered a blessing at the end of the event.
