Rep. Bryan Shupe speaks out against potential pallet homes village in Milford

MILFORD, Del. – The Milford City Council will hear from the public on a proposed pallet homes project Monday night. However, not everyone is on board.

Delaware Representative Bryan Shupe is cautioning against the idea and said the Springboard Collaborative’s pallet home village in Georgetown resulted in an influx of homeless individuals in the area. He also told 47ABC that there has been an increase of encampments and more urgent care calls.

Representative Shupe believes the project could have the same implications in Milford and potentially be a financial burden. “The Springboard Collaborative’s executive director made it clear that grants are just a short-term strategy and that their long-term strategy is for municipalities, states and the federal government to fund them on an on-going basis,” he said.

Representative Shupe believes an alternative solution is possible. He said the state and city could collaborate and establish relationships with local churches and nonprofits to expand their resources.

At Monday night’s meeting, the public will hear a presentation from the Springboard Collaborative.

We’re told the city’s role in the project would be to provide the land and city funds are not anticipated to be used. The chosen location must meet certain criteria for the Springboard program.