Love INC, based in Seaford, is on the front lines of the homeless issue in Sussex County.

Not only does the nonprofit organization coordinate the seven Code Purple shelters throughout the county from December through March, it also offers a host of support programs to lift people out of homelessness.

Short- and long-term plans

Miguel and Kathryn Alban took over Love INC two years ago, and during that time, 46 homeless people have moved to housing. Their staff is currently working with 500 clients offering short-and long-term impact.

In the short term, the center provides rent and utility bill assistance, as well as meals at the Seaford location. It also has a food pantry and a warehouse full of clothes for all ages, and showers, washers and dryers.

Miguel said they interview everyone at the center to determine those who have a legitimate need and are willing to stay the course through their three-phase pillar program, which includes financial planning and goal setting.

Case management is available at the Seaford center and at Eagle’s Nest between Lewes and Milton. The program has a strong coalition of 30 businesses and 80 churches that provide support.

Code Purple

A network of volunteers at each of the host Code Purple churches provides needs for the homeless each night from Dec. 1 through March 15.

Temporary shelters are located at the following: St. Jude the Apostle, Lewes, men only; Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, women only; Milford Nazarene Church, Milford, women with children; Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford, men only; Georgetown Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, men only; Seaford Grace Church, Seaford, women only; and St. Luke’s Parish Hall, Seaford, men only.

Code Purple staff coordinate reservations for the shelters and recruit volunteers.

A success story

The program’s bottom line is to create and follow through on goals to help people develop the skills and gain the tools needed to achieve self-sufficiency.

Donnell Bynes, who works in Delmar, is just one of the program’s success stories. Bynes lived in his car for six years. When it broke down, he walked nine miles to work each day.

He came to the center to get money for hotel rooms and take showers. It was apparent he wanted to enroll in the program, and now he has an apartment in Delmar.

“I feel blessed,” he said. “During my ups and downs, they had faith in me and gave me hope. They showed me love. You can improve your life going to Love INC if you are willing to put effort into it.”

Transforming lives

Giovanni Otero, ministry and community relations director, said working with their partners, the center provides dinner Sunday through Friday, lunch Monday through Friday and breakfast on Saturdays.

Volunteers also make and distribute hundreds of grab-and-go lunches each day.

“Love and accountability transform lives,” Otero added. “We pick out the people with the need who are willing to be held accountable. We need that to open doors. They are never alone; God is always with them.”

For more information, go to loveincofdelmarva.org.