To increase access to food and housing among vulnerable populations in Delaware and Maryland, ChristianaCare is providing $1.1 million through its Community Investment Fund to 13 nonprofits.
This is the second round of grants since the Community Investment Fund launched in 2019. ChristianaCare is partnering with organizations that provide resources for healthy meals, a safe place to sleep, and healthy, safe, and affordable homes, reflecting the findings of ChristianaCare’s Community Assessment of Health Needs.
In Delaware, 12.6% of households are food insecure, meaning they do not know how to provide food for their family or cannot. Likewise, affordable housing, as well as adequate housing for individuals with physical and behavioral health needs, has become increasingly scarce, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s Community Investment Fund awardees represent a powerful group of organizations working tirelessly to address the social determinants of health, specifically around access to food and housing,” said Erin Booker, LPC, Vice President of Health Behavioral & Social Assistance Integration at ChristianaCare.
“These organizations were already doing tremendous work, and with these funds, they will have greater reach and impact.”
Increasing access to food and housing
More than 60 community organizations have applied for up to $100,000 in grants for year-long projects that include expanding the delivery of boxes of agricultural produce to seniors in need; nutritional training and food preparation workshops; and HVAC projects and home repairs. This year, grants were awarded to programs in New Castle County and Sussex County, Delaware, and in Cecil County, Maryland.
The following organizations received funding: On the same subject : Seattle’s Pro Sports teams celebrate and support Seattle Pride, gender inclusivity in youth sports.
Funding will allow organizations to create new programs or expand existing ones with proven success.
Reducing violence and recidivism with Project New Start
A $100,000 grant from the Community Investment Fund means that Project New Start, Inc., will be able to help 16 previously incarcerated people obtain the housing assistance, job training and case management services needed to return to their communities and families.
“We know that for people to be successful, they need safe housing,” said Priscilla Turgon, founder and executive director of Project New Start, Inc. To see also : Restructuring the food program at the FDA., which operates an intensive 10-week reentry program to help newly released people . in prison make better decisions and increase their chances of getting a job.
“They need tools to help them make better decisions. Having a place to live and something to eat makes all the difference.”
Providing shelter and support with On Our Own of Cecil County
With funding from ChristianaCare, On Our Own of Cecil County, Inc. On the same subject : From Rocket Science, Beginning a Revolution in Food Delivery Packaging., is providing hotel vouchers, meals and personal hygiene kits to homeless people, including those in crisis situations, individuals coming out of prison, mental health treatment or homes. recovery.
“We have a full service umbrella for people who are going through an emergency… It’s just picking them up and saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got you.’ And let’s see who else can help you too.”
— Cerise Smith, On Our Own, Cecil County, Maryland
Short-term hotel vouchers will complement existing On Our Own wellness, education and peer-based services offerings, including resource coordination and support groups.
“We have a whole range of services for people who are experiencing an emergency, are back on the streets or in situations of domestic violence,” said Cerise Smith, assistant director of On Our Own of Cecil County.
“It’s picking them up and saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got you.’ And let’s see who else can help you too.”
New technology will capture data and measure value
Grant recipients are using the Unite Us Payments digital solution to capture standardized data and results and measure the success of each donation. This solution has proven to be critical to keeping projects on track and fostering connections between organizations.
“Incorporating the Unite Delaware platform is not only enabling us to connect clients with more resources when needed, it is also teaching pre-health professionals – our interns – about the importance of effective resource navigation,” said Maggie Ratnayake, LPCMH, ATR, NCC, executive director of Lori’s Hands, which is piloting Primary Care at Home to provide comprehensive support to community members living with chronic illness.
