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

Larry W. Merchant

Executive Board
Chairman
Serving since 2020
Adjunct Instructor, Human Services and Social Sciences, Delaware Technical and Community College
Paulette Winkfield

Paulette Winkfield, MSW, CAADC, CCDP

Executive Board
Vice Chairman
Serving since 2019
Executive Director, Synergy Health and Recovery
Patricia Kelleher

Patricia Kelleher

Executive Board
Secretary
Serving since 2019
Director of Real Estate Development, NeighborGood Partners
Phyllis Brooks Collins

Phyllis Brooks Collins, Ph.D., M.A.Ed.

Executive Board
Treasurer
Serving since 2022
Program Director, Integrated Studies, Delaware State University
Linda Bazemore

Linda Bazemore, LMSW

Board Member
Social Worker Supervisor at Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Cristal Brenneman

Cristal Brenneman

Board Member
Serving since 2019
Director of Special Events, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Justina Brinkley

Justina Brinkley

Board Member
Discharge Release Planner, Reentry
Debbie Harrington

Debbie Harrington, Ed.D., Col. (Ret.), U.S. Army

Board Member
Serving since 2024
Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Delaware State University
Herb Konowitz

Herb Konowitz

Board Member
Serving since 2019
Retired Business Owner / SCORE Counselor
Michelle Mack-Williams

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

Stephanie “Stefie” Myers

Director
Patrice Hawthorne

Patrice Hawthorne

Case Manager, Prevention Specialist, and Community Advocate
Michelle Brewington

Michelle Brewington

Residential Specialist
C’yonie Holden

C’yonie Holden

Residential Specialist
Keyshawna Fuller

Keyshawna Fuller

Residential Specialist