About House of Hope
House of Hope is a community-based emergency shelter providing safe, temporary housing for single women experiencing homelessness in Kent County, Delaware.
Our Mission
“To provide temporary, safe, quality, person-centered care for single women experiencing homelessness — and connect them to local resources.”
Our Vision
- Decrease homelessness in Kent County
- Improve access to services and resources for our residents
- Create a self-sustaining organization
- Maintain a committed staff and volunteer base supported by our board
The Organization
Legal Entity & Tax Status
House of Hope is a program operated by Central Delaware Housing Collaborative, Inc. (CDHC), a Delaware nonprofit corporation founded in 2018. CDHC is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 83-0589199). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donors can independently verify our status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search or browse our public filings on ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.
How We Work
House of Hope occupies a property at 801 W Division Street, Dover, DE 19904 — acquired from the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) under a long-term emergency-shelter use restriction. CDHC was formed specifically to operate the shelter, and the partnership with DSHA reflects the program’s roots in state-supported affordable housing.
Women come to House of Hope through referrals from the Delaware Housing Alliance and the State of Delaware. While in residence, they receive case management and access to basic living necessities while working toward long-term stability.
Since opening, House of Hope has served more than 200 women.
Leadership & Board of Directors
House of Hope is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. None of our directors receive compensation for their service.
Larry W. Merchant
Executive Board
Chairman
Serving since 2020
Adjunct Instructor, Human Services and Social Sciences, Delaware Technical and Community College
Paulette Winkfield, MSW, CAADC, CCDP
Executive Board
Vice Chairman
Serving since 2019
Executive Director, Synergy Health and Recovery
Patricia Kelleher
Executive Board
Secretary
Serving since 2019
Director of Real Estate Development, NeighborGood Partners
Phyllis Brooks Collins, Ph.D., M.A.Ed.
Executive Board
Treasurer
Serving since 2022
Program Director, Integrated Studies, Delaware State University
Linda Bazemore, LMSW
Board Member
Social Worker Supervisor at Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Cristal Brenneman
Board Member
Serving since 2019
Director of Special Events, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Justina Brinkley
Board Member
Discharge Release Planner, Reentry
Debbie Harrington, Ed.D., Col. (Ret.), U.S. Army
Board Member
Serving since 2024
Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Delaware State University
Herb Konowitz
Board Member
Serving since 2019
Retired Business Owner / SCORE Counselor
Michelle Mack-Williams
Board Member
Senior Clinical Project Associate at Bristol Myers Squibb
Our Team
Behind the scenes, our staff makes the program run day to day.
Stephanie “Stefie” Myers
Director
Patrice Hawthorne
Case Manager, Prevention Specialist, and Community Advocate
Michelle Brewington
Residential Specialist
C’yonie Holden
Residential Specialist
Keyshawna Fuller
Residential Specialist