Family Promise of Southern Delaware hosted its annual community brunch April 25, at the Village Improvement Association clubhouse in Rehoboth Beach.

Family Promise of Southern Delaware was founded in 2022 to assist the growing number of families in the area who are struggling with housing insecurity. 

Executive Director Carolyn Ames Kelly said in the past year, the organization has: revamped its mission statement, begun a rapid rehousing program and continued to work with local organizations to provide much-needed services. Looking forward, she said, the organization is looking for new board members as founding board members begin to cycle out.

Family Promise presented its Founding Sponsors Award to the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Congregations.

Cape Region teacher, coach and mentor Bill Collick was the keynote speaker. Pointing to specific stories in his life when he helped out homeless people who randomly crossed his path, Collick said he’s never seen the amount of homeless in the area that he sees now, which trickles down to the schools as well. However, he said, it’s not just about witnessing the struggle, but also about doing something about it.

Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, touched on a couple of legislative initiatives taking place in the General Assembly related to planning with intent for affordable housing. If someone can work in a community, that person should be able to live in that community, he said.

Between monthly rent, security deposit, first month’s rent and emergency hotel stays, the majority of the assistance is spent on housing, but Family Promise also helps with utilities.

According to the FPSDE website, more than 400 families and about 850 children have been assisted through the organization’s prevention program. The organization spends, on average, $262.51 per child to prevent homelessness.