Greenwood, Del. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (all D-Del.), joined Governor Matt Meyer and West End Neighborhood House to celebrate the opening of Life Lines South. Life Lines South is Delaware’s only supportive housing program in Sussex County for youth ages 18–23 who are homeless or exiting the foster care system, addressing a major regional need in Kent and Sussex Counties. Located in a former bed and breakfast, this facility will include 10 private units and on-site management for the benefit of the young adults it will serve. West End Neighborhood House received a federal investment of $1.09 million through the Congressionally Directed Spending process, supported by both Coons and Blunt Rochester.
“The opening of Life Lines South in Sussex County fills a vital and urgent need for our community,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. “The Life Lines program has continued to be a safe haven for youth in need of a place to call home, and the opening of another supportive housing program in Greenwood builds on the incredible work they’ve done across the state of Delaware. I will always support housing in our state, especially for our young people in need, and I thank everyone at West End Neighborhood House for their partnership in making this vision into reality.”
“Kicking Delawareans to the curb and out of the foster care system when they reach 18 isn’t just cruel—it puts unprepared kids on the streets that can lead to bad outcomes for decades to come,” said Senator Coons. “West End Neighborhood House’s Life Lines South will be key to helping young men and women in Kent and Sussex counties remain housed and receive the critical care and resources they need while becoming more self-sufficient and prepared to transition out of the system.”
“Every young person deserves stability, dignity, and the chance to thrive—no matter their zip code or the challenges they’ve faced,” said Representative McBride.“Life Lines South is more than a building; it’s a lifeline for young people in Sussex County who are navigating life after foster care or experiencing homelessness. I’m grateful to Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester for championing this critical investment in Delaware’s future.”
“Life Lines South is a milestone for Delaware—bringing critical housing and support services to young people in Sussex County who have aged out of foster care or are experiencing homelessness,” said Paul Calistro, Executive Director, West End Neighborhood House. “Without the help of our federal delegation, this project would never have come to fruition. We’re incredibly grateful for their leadership and for the many public and private partners who made this vision a reality.”
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.