Housing Program HOPE Receives More Than $550K in Grants

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State Sen. Tim Kearney at a check presentation to HOPE.
Image via The Foundation for Delaware County.
State Sen. Tim Kearney at a check grant presentation to HOPE.

The Foundation for Delaware County announced that the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE) has received two grants to help it continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and to determine the barriers still in place preventing safe and equitable housing in Delaware County.

HOPE received a $75,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and $500,000 funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

HOPE was launched in 2021. It addresses housing instability by providing financial assistance to families, case management, financial literacy education, and advocacy for housing reform.

“The Foundation for Delaware County is a trusted community partner, and I am thrilled that my office was able to help secure a total of $575,000 for their HOPE initiative,” said state Sen. Tim Kearney (26th District). “There are far too many people still experiencing the adverse effects caused by the pandemic, and I will continue to support projects that look to bring stability back to individuals and families in our Commonwealth.”

ARPA funding allows HOPE to provide services to support Delaware County families in maintaining stable housing. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted low-income families’ ability to afford and maintain housing and has led to worsening physical and mental health, financial insecurity, and unemployment.

In addition, rising food, utility, fuel, and housing expenses have placed increased financial stress on already cost-burdened families.

As housing instability rises, this funding will ensure HOPE can meet the increased demand for services. HOPE staff will also provide financial literacy education to help families develop financial habits that stimulate long-term housing stability and financial security.

A $75,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will be used to support the creation and facilitation of a Delaware County housing “working group.”

This group will include public housing agencies, social service providers, agencies that serve the homeless, and individuals with lived experience. Through a guided facilitation process, a needs assessment will be developed to identify systemic and persistent barriers to safe and equitable housing in Delaware County.

The foundation is grateful to Sen. Kearney, who has been a major advocate in securing funds for HOPE.

“Low-income families in Delaware County deserve to live with dignity and respect in safe, quality housing. Many of the families we assist have a history of unstable housing and frequently struggle to maintain stability due to various co-occurring issues,” said HOPE Program Director Jordan Casey.

“With this funding, HOPE will be able to provide critical support services for families in need as well as work with other community stakeholders to deliver a collaborative and creative approach to addressing systemic barriers to housing.

“Without Senator Kearney’s support and dedication to the community, the opportunity for this funding would not be possible. The Senator and his staff have been instrumental in improving access to quality housing for Delaware County families, addressing the numerous inequities they face, and advancing efforts to promote long-term housing stability.”

Learn more about HOPE.

About The Foundation for Delaware County

A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropy serving Delaware County.

The foundation encourages philanthropy by providing efficient giving vehicles like donor-advised funds, gift annuities, and estate planning advice to generous individuals who want to have an impact in Delaware County and beyond.

The foundation is proud to serve as a convener across sectors to address challenging community issues such as the need for a county health department.

In April, the foundation awarded more than $1.8M in Impact Grants to area nonprofits. In addition, the foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community.

With headquarters in Media and service sites in Eddystone, Upper Darby, and Springfield, The Foundation for Delaware County also operates the prestigious evidence-based programs Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership. Other programs include El Centro (a Hispanic resource center), a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District, and the new Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE).

Find out more about The Foundation for Delaware County.

You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @DelcoFdn.

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