Since opening in January 2023, Springboard Delaware’s Georgetown Navigation Center (also known as the Pallet Village) has helped more than 160 residents experiencing homelessness. The center provides safe, short-term housing and access to job training, mental health care and recovery support – offering a hand up, not a handout.
Residents enter participation agreements that outline mutual commitments: pursuing income, contributing to the community and engaging in employment or counseling. The focus is empowerment and stability, not compliance.
According to the Georgetown Pallet Village Outcomes Report from October 2025:
- 40% of participants moved into permanent or supportive housing (national average: 25% to 35%)
- 62% of participants of working age and able to work obtained employment
- 38% secured benefit income
- 48% of those with substance-use disorder received treatment (compared to 24% nationally)
- 97% of those with mental health needs received care
- 156 essential identification documents were issued, helping residents reenter the workforce and qualify for housing.
These outcomes demonstrate that the navigation center delivers measurable progress.
Our success is rooted in partnership. The center operates on property owned by First State Community Action Agency, whose collaboration provides critical operational support. Together, we coordinate outreach and case management to help people already living in our community regain safety and stability.
Contrary to misconceptions, the program does not attract people from outside Georgetown. Street outreach surveys confirm that nearly all residents have long-standing ties to Georgetown. Increased visibility reflects better outreach, not new migration.
The real driver of local homelessness is housing costs. Rising rents, limited affordable units and one of Delaware’s lowest vacancy rates have pushed more working and fixed-income residents into crisis.
The navigation center addresses these realities with a structured, service-supported model that restores privacy, dignity and hope. When results fall short, we adapt and improve.
Homelessness in Georgetown has become more visible because more people are now within reach of help. Addressing its causes will require collaboration, affordable housing expansion and continued investment in programs that work. With shared commitment and accurate information, Georgetown can meet this challenge with both compassion and practicality.
We invite community members to visit the Georgetown Pallet Village, meet the staff and see firsthand how this partnership is helping neighbors move from homelessness to stability.
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