“This will end:” Hotel vouchers extended an additional month, housing advocates urge need for long-term housing solutions in Delaware

DELAWARE –  “I at least have 35 families right now who are apart of this hotel assistance program. It’s very near and dear to me,” Rowland said.

Hotels vouchers, a federal funded short-term solution to the growing concern of homelessness in Delaware have been extended 30 days.

“This is a great thing but we have to caution those in the hotels that another extension isn’t guaranteed,” Redemption City Founder Nikki Gonzalez said.

The hotel vouchers come as an initiative birthed from American Rescue Plan Act funds used provide those at risk of homelessness stable shelter.

Dover Interfaith Mission For Housing says up to 450 families in the first state are at risk of losing a roof over their heads come September 30.

DIMH Executive Director Karen Rowland says that’s even more of a challenge due to the lack of affordable housing and shelter beds statewide. “We house here just around 34 men. Some shelters house up to 16 single women and others housed up to 20 people. There’s more need than there is space,” Rowland said.

Director of the Shepherd’s Office in Georgetown Jim Martin says although these vouchers were a good solution it was only helpful for those who qualified. “We also see a lot of people that either are dealing with chronic illnesses who are disabled,” Martin said.

“If you’re a healthy, single person with no children then you wouldn’t qualify to get a hotel voucher.”

Those I spoke with say as emergency relief funding is zeroing out, it’s important for those at risk of losing housing to act fast. “The process of getting that going is going to take longer than September 30th.” Rowland said.

“This will end. If you’re no actively doing something now you could end up in 30 days in the position where you about to find yourself on the street again,” Gonzalez said.

Although the Shepherd’s Office doesn’t provide actual housing space, they do provide clothing and other items for those who need it.

Redemption City’s Sunshine House has limited availability currently and if you’d like to find out more click here 

To find out more about Dover Interfaith Mission For Housing, click here