Shelter Apartments Provide Hope to the Area’s Unsheltered Population

By Ashley Helaudais

At its inception in 1997, Family Promise of Sussex County used a rotational shelter service. Shelter coordinators at area churches supplied beds and food for individuals and families who were experiencing a housing crisis. But the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to that system, and FPSC has since adopted a static shelter model.

The Housing Hope Shelter consists of two one-bedroom apartments that serve as short-term housing for our clients and provide safety and privacy while they work toward their goal of housing stability. During their stay, clients work closely with case managers to facilitate their transition to permanent housing. Case managers support clients as they work toward financial stability, career development and addressing barriers to housing like medical conditions and mental health concerns.

The Housing Hope Shelter serves individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, people who are couch surfing from one relative to another, living in their cars, in tents in the woods or other places not meant to be homes. The shelter is a necessary resource, bridging the gap between homelessness and permanent housing stability.

About Family Promise of Sussex County

The mission of Family Promise of Sussex County is to secure housing stability and sustainability for those in crisis…because everyone deserves a home. Our vision is that every individual and family shall have a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. We offer many services and a dedicated team of individuals that are available to assist our clients in attaining these goals. To learn more visit us at https://familypromisesussex.org or our offices in Newton, Sparta and Sussex or contact us at 973-579-1180 or [email protected].