The Springboard Collaborative Pallet Village in Georgetown opened the doors of its homeless facility Jan. 31, by accepting its first 10 residents. By the end of the week, it is expected the village will be a temporary home for 46 homeless people.

In a partnership among Town of Georgetown officials and nonprofits Springboard Collaborative and First State Community Action Agency, construction began on the Pallet village off North Railroad Avenue Oct. 17, when trucks from the Pallet Co. in Washington state delivered the cabins. It is the first Pallet shelter village in Delaware.

The 40 cabin-like, 64-square-foot units were fabricated by a team of volunteers from several companies on First State property.

The village opens

Key Good, one of the village’s community navigators, said priority the first two days included the disabled, elderly and single women. Ten residents were processed each day.

“Our first goal is to get people settled and out of their tents, and then get them used to the idea they are in a safe place,” said Springboard Collaborative Executive Director Judson Malone. “This is a safe place to start over.”

All residents will be able to avail themselves of services from various organizations. He said First State will provide financial and job training and a memorandum of understanding is being established with La Red Health Center in Georgetown for health services.

Beebe Healthcare's Community Mobile Health Clinic has already made a stop. In addition, 38 people have gone through a mental health evaluation.

A staff of case workers, security personnel and operations personnel has been hired.

Malone said each resident establishes a set of goals during the intake process. “Our navigators help them achieve their plan,” he said.

Those goals could include finding a job, obtaining documentation or seeking substance abuse treatment.

After three months, Malone said, residents should be on the path to self-sufficiency and finding permanent housing.

Malone said meals are provided to all residents and a food service manager has been hired. He said the organization is perusing several avenues to provide meals, but now has to rely on individuals and organizations providing meals. To get involved, email manager Carolyn Berl at carolyn@the-springboard.org.

The facility also has a store filled with a variety of basic needs.

Malone said Georgetown Mayor Bill West helped get the building and built all the shelves. “We had a donation drive that was enormously successful,” he said.

A temporary commercial tent has been erected at the site until construction of a community building can be completed.

Each unit will contain one or two beds with bedding, heat and air conditioning, and storage space.

Since the units do not contain plumbing, two bathroom/shower units are part of the village.

Transportation is planned to help participants access off-site programs and services, and seek employment. A DART bus hub is within walking distance on Railroad Avenue.

Springboard is a nonprofit shelter and housing developer for people experiencing homelessness and those who are housing insecure. Springboard will provide administration and fundraising for the village.