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“If [Friendship House] didn’t exist, I wouldn’t actually know what to do,” said Timothy, who has been utilizing the services provided at our Empowerment Centers for many years. He first came to us when he was a child in the 90s with his mother. We assisted his mother with her overdue bills through what was then the Women’s Day Center. Timothy came back to us in his adult life for assistance, remembering how FH was able to assist his mother.

Most of the folks our Empowerment Centers work with are currently experiencing homelessness and in desperate need of basic necessities and a loving, supportive community. This is where FH aims to fill the gaps by providing those needs to the community.

Click here to read the rest of their story.

Click here to see how our Executive Director, Kim, and Friendship House responds.

For 35 years, Friendship House has filled gaps in New Castle County for those experiencing houselessness, homelessness, or searching for a way home. We continue to adapt and ensure the needs of the community are being met by stepping in where others won’t. FH has proven to be nimble and flexible when the community needs us most, the biggest example being our robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, crises continued. FH did what we do best: we responded.

Storms from Hurricane Ida flooded Wilmington causing damage to many buildings, the devastation of an entire apartment complex, and hundreds of folks to be displaced. As our community reached out wanting to help, we filled the gap by becoming a bridge connecting resources to those most impacted. Through a community liaison, we learned of 20 displaced families searching for a way home.

Because of you we delivered diapers, hygiene items, and school clothing to numerous families. We connected families to the Hope Center, assisted in housing applications, helped folks recover their belongings from the devastation and even provided a car seat. We stepped up to fill this gap in our community and it was only possible because of your support! Thank you to the many faith communities and individuals who reached out looking to help. We’re so grateful for your support. A special thank you to Christ Church Christiana Hundred for their donations to this cause!

As Jewish Family Services began to take additional refugee families in the wake of the devastation happening in Afghanistan in September, they reached out to their community for support. At the time, we had a vacant house in our Transitional Housing Program. We are thrilled JFS is using this as a temporary resting place for a refugee family of 5 until they secure permanent housing. As affordable housing remains scarce, this was a key opportunity in allowing the family to have stability upon arrival. We are so pleased to be able to assist this family and fill a gap where we’re able.

Contact [email protected], call (302) 652-8133, or visit friendshiphousede.org to learn more.