Toni Short's mission to help the homeless

You can find Toni Short in the corner, first-floor room at the Red Mill Inn trying to work miracles.

The crowded room is not only her office, but a pantry and supply room for her Lighthouse for Broken Wings homeless program, which is supporting 56 homeless residents this winter at the hotel along Route 1 north of Lewes.

Amazingly, Short somehow raises enough money to cover the fee of about $500 per room per week for everyone between December and April.

She also provides lunch, dinner and snacks to everyone thanks to a dedicated group of hundreds of volunteers who support her nonprofit program. “I can't say enough about our volunteers. They work really hard, including preparing a hot meal nearly every night, to help these people survive,” she said.

Seven days a week, Short is at the hotel making sure her residents are cared for. The registered nurse had her own battle with homelessness, so she understands what her residents are going through.

She said she thanks God for the motel, because without it her residents would have nowhere else to go.

Short, who has run a homeless shelter since 2016, is on her own this winter without the support of Immanuel Shelter, which no longer exists.

“It is different this year because we have a lot more families and single mothers, when it used to be mostly single men,” she said.

Her residents range in age from 9 months to 72 years old, with a mix of families and six individuals.

Short said many of her residents have low self-esteem because they have been beaten down. “They are broken and get depressed. It's our job to build them up, get them the resources they need,” she said.

When the program ends

While she is focused on day-to-day tasks, it's hard not to look ahead.

Short almost breaks down in tears when she's asked what happens to the residents after April 30. “Some go right back out on the street. It's sad because this is like a revolving door. I should be able to place them somewhere. There should be housing available,” she said. “They are discriminated against. Everyone should have the same equal opportunity. They are not given a fair chance.”

Two young mothers who stopped by her office said they are not sure what they will do when they have to move out of the hotel.

“Yes, we get 56 people off the street, but I'm really a failure because there is nowhere for them to go when they leave. I have to get better,” she said.

Short said it's time for all organizations providing homeless services to band together. “Homelessness is not going to end. We all need to join forces to make sure the homeless don't die,” she said.

And death is something that Short has to deal with.

Recently, an older woman called her pleading for a motel room because she didn't want to die on the streets. “We got her a hotel room and she died that night,” she said.

Confronting daily obstacles

Short fights a daily battle to help the residents overcome obstacles, but some are almost insurmountable.

“Getting child care is the toughest part,” she said. “Even if a mother qualifies for childcare vouchers, she can't find a place for her kids.”

That makes it hard for single mothers to get a job and begin the trek out of homelessness.

“Most of the work around here is seasonal and at night, which single mothers can't do who have young children. They are set up to fail,” she said. “My residents want to work, but they have to work two times harder, and they are still not getting anywhere.”

Transportation is another issue. “There is no public transportation out here, and our volunteers have been driving people to nearby bus stops. Many have bikes, but it's not safe to ride along Route 1,” Short said.

She said parents constantly worry about having their children taken by Child Protective Services. “We try our best to make sure that doesn't happen,” she said.

Job training is another obstacle, although there have been some success stories. Short said a couple last year fixed their credit, got jobs and got a home loan.

“People can pull themselves up if they are given half a chance,” she said.

Short has three women who are getting ready to enroll in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Sussex Technical High School.

Two young men were in danger of having to drop out of school. But thanks to volunteers who drove them to classes every night at Sussex Tech, they were able to finish their education.

And the COVID-19 pandemic has only made everything more complicated.

Short, who had COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic in 2020, said nearly everyone in her community has tested positive, even the young children. “It's gone through here like wildfire. Fortunately, nearly everyone has had mild symptoms,” she said. “We need protective gear, masks, gloves and tests.”

Their own community

Residents have formed their own community at the motel.

Apple Electric and Lewes Cycle Sports donated several bikes. “After school, after kids do their homework, they are out on their bikes,” Short said.

People who have cars reach out to help those who don't, and every Friday night, residents prepare their own meals in donated slow cookers for a community meal.

Although she has a big heart, Short said all residents must adhere to strict rules. “It's the only way we can keep the program going,” she said. “I'm not paid to do this. I love these people, and especially the kids.”

Donations are needed

Donations of money and supplies are always needed to keep the program going.

Donations can be mailed to Lighthouse for Broken Wings, 179 Rehoboth Ave., Unit 123, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

For more information, contact the Lighthouse at lighthouseforbrokenwings@gmail.com.

While all donations are appreciated, Short said there is a need for detergent, soy and almond milk, grocery gift cards from Giant and Acme, takeout containers, bus cards, diapers and pull-ups.