Wilmington, DE – December 18, 2024—Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc. (ICHDE) is honored to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant from Longwood Foundation to support critical capital repairs for West Center Place and expand our youth mentorship program.

Owned and managed by ICHDE, West Center Place is a 55-unit affordable rental housing property located in the heart of Wilmington’s West Center City neighborhood. Known for its rich cultural heritage and strong community bonds, West Center City has faced persistent economic challenges and high rates of crime. This community is central to ICHDE’s community engagements efforts which include resident leadership programs and youth mentorship as well as food distribution.

The funding from Longwood will significantly broaden our youth mentorship program, offering leadership development, life skills, financial literacy, mentorship pairing, academic support, and other support initiatives to more youth in the West Center Place and surrounding neighborhood.  LaTaysha Harmon, ICHDE’s Community Building and Engagement manager, is excited to bring her youth mentorship program to West Center Place youth.  “It is important that the youth in our community are afforded the opportunity to be able to define and shape their futures,” Harmon said. “The Youth Mentorship program provides opportunities for each mentee to thrive, learn, and grow while being supported in a space where they are celebrated for their unique abilities,” Harmon continued. “This program will empower each youth to be confident, capable, and compassionate leaders in their own community, beyond mentorship.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Longwood Foundation for their partnership and trust in our work,” said Darlene Sample, ICHDE’s executive director. “This grant will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families and youth we serve.”

The Longwood Foundation, established in 1937 by Pierre S. du Pont, is a prominent philanthropic organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life and economic vibrancy of communities in Delaware and southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, health, the environment, social services, and community development.

For over 50 years, ICHDE has been dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods, developing affordable housing, and fostering community leadership across Delaware. Support from partners like the Longwood Foundation makes it possible to continue this vital work.

For more information about ICHDE and its programs or to become a mentor, please contact Catherine Davis at 302-652-3991 or cdavis@ichde.org.

About Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc.

Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst to revitalize and strengthen neighborhoods by providing sustainable housing and homeownership services that support low to moderate-income households, empowers residents for leadership, and promotes individual and community asset building.