The Shepherd’s Office aims to combat the homeless crisis ahead of the Holiday
SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – The Shepherd’s office and local volunteers helped give back to the homeless community for a Christmas meal event.
A Helping Hand
Executive Director Jim Martin said it’s imperative to help the homeless, hungry, and lonely. “We made awesome homemade meals today. We got ham and all the fixings for a full Christmas meal and we’re expecting to give out about 400 today.”
Georgetown, like much of Sussex County, suffers from a homelessness crisis. Martin hopes the community takes a stand, and helps those in need. “It gives you a sense of self another human being that’s going through a hard time. I think it lifts everybody up, and it’s about looking out for the people that are vulnerable here in this weather.”
The cold weather has dealt a significant blow to the unhoused. Most shelters are occupied with the homeless due to code purple. One local father and daughter, Brad and Kendall Speakman helped volunteer at the event. They created toiletry bags with grooming items to give away. The Speakman’s hope the bags made people feel loved.
“You know we’re just volunteering our time to help in any way that we can. My daughter has beaten her goal each year, we’re up to 207 bags to give out.”
Martin is grateful for all the volunteers who help make these events possible. “It’s amazing to have the volunteers show up because it’s a lot of intensive labor involved in these types of events. I’m just grateful people show up and help.” You can donate to the Shepherd’s Office here.
Fighting Homelessness
The fight against homelessness in Delaware is moving forward.
According to statistics from 2022, about 25% of Delaware’s population resides in Sussex County. Around 34% of those people are homeless. In Georgetown, tensions remain high due to the homelessness problem. Shelters and non-profits continue to be the bridge between the town and the unhoused.
Advocates like Jim Martin, the Executive Director of the Shepherd’s Office wants to continue working with Georgetown to fix the problem.
“I’m very grateful for the town of Georgetown, they allow us to exist here each day. We appreciate the leaders of the town. Although, they know it’s a tough situation, we appreciate them for all their support.”
The first state is continuing the efforts to curb the crisis, The Springboard Pallet Villages will be opening a community center in the future.
