Carper, Blunt Rochester Highlight Federal Investments in Youth Mental Health and Combatting Homelessness in Delaware

Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) highlighted federal funding they secured along with U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to help address homelessness, train mental health care providers, and strengthen families at the New Castle County Hope Center and Nemours Children’s Health.

The New Castle County Hope Center was awarded a $1.9 million congressionally directed spending award to help with capital improvements and transportation for residents. Opened in December 2020, the Hope Center is an emergency non-congregate shelter working to address the root causes of homelessness in Delaware. A former Sheraton hotel, the Hope Center has housed over 2,500 people since opening, offering comprehensive services including housing case management, medical services, mental healthcare, employment and training, pet care, after school programs, housing location services and assistance with security deposit and rent.

Nemours Children’s Health was awarded a $1.5 million congressionally directed spending award to get its mental health provider training program off the ground. In September 2023, Nemours implemented the Innovative Mental Health Pathways for Adolescent and Child Therapists (IMPACT) program to better respond to the urgent need for increased access to behavioral health services. The program supports Master’s-level trained social workers and counselors by providing them with specialized training and supervision to obtain clinical licensure to meet the mental health needs of youth.

“When we review requests for federal funding from our community partners in Delaware, we often look for ways to stretch our taxpayer dollars to reach our neighbors most in need,” said Senator Carper. “From uplifting folks out of homelessness to addressing the mental health provider shortage in Delaware, these federal funds will be leveraged with state, local and private funding to help uplift Delawareans and focus on our most pressing problems.”

“Our work at a federal level should most frequently look to lift up the most vulnerable in our society, and today reflects that dedication,” said Senator Coons. “Whether it’s providing dignity through safe and secure housing for those facing challenges in life, or providing guidance and direction for our children and their families battling during their time of need, I hope this funding serves as a benefit to those facing hard times in our communities.”

“Securing federal funding that responds to the most pressing needs of Delawareans is a high priority for me,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “From bolstering the services provided by the New Castle County Hope Center in the fight against homelessness to supporting Nemours’ efforts to build a pipeline of behavioral health professionals, these projects are key to helping us improve the quality of life for residents across the state. I’m proud to have worked alongside the Senators to secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have throughout our communities.”