West End Neighborhood House Opens Sussex County

West End Neighborhood House – Life Lines South home in Greenwood

The West End Neighborhood House now has a Sussex County program for youths aged 18 to 23 who are homeless or leaving the foster care system. The opening of Life Lines South in Greenwood occurred Monday with Governor Matt Meyer in attendance, as well as Delaware’s Congressional Delegation and more. The facility is a renovated former bed and breakfast and has 10 private efficiency units and on-site case management to help guide its residents on a path toward stability, independence and success. Officials say there is already a waiting list for this type of housing downstate.

Additional information from West End Neighborhood House:

“Every young Delawarean deserves a place to call home. By increasing our state’s capacity of supportive housing beds, Life Lines South will make a tremendous difference for those in Kent and Sussex County in need of support,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “As we strive to increase the supply of affordable housing and end youth homelessness in Delaware, I applaud West End Neighborhood House for leading the way with smart, targeted programs that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Every young person deserves stability, dignity, and the chance to thrive—no matter their zip code or the challenges they’ve faced,” said Rep. 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.”

Family members Denise Eby Konan, Sarah Eby, and David Eby, stated, “Our parents, grandparents, and extended family have opened their homes to many others. Their commitment to service is a vital part of our family legacy. It is fitting that what was once the site of the family home, continues to be a safe haven for those in need.”

Life Lines South builds on the success of West End’s broader Life Lines program, which supports more than 100 youth statewide through case management and wraparound services, along with 33 housing units in Wilmington.

While Life Lines has a strong track record in Wilmington, this new Greenwood site helps close a long-standing regional gap: only 16 youth beds previously existed across both Kent and Sussex Counties. There is already a waiting list for this type of housing in southern Delaware, and no comparable program integrates housing with trauma-informed, individualized support.

Each year in Delaware, more than 65 youth age out of foster care—many without stable homes, income, or support networks. 178 chronically homeless households are currently on the statewide waiting list for housing, underscoring the urgent need for programs like Life Lines South.

“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. 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.” – Paul Calistro, Executive Director, West End Neighborhood House. 

This expansion was made possible thanks to more than $2.5 million in capital support from
generous funders.  

About West End Neighborhood House
West End Neighborhood House is a nonprofit organization based in Wilmington, Delaware,
providing innovative programs and services that meet the diverse needs of the community.
Through programs like Launcher, West End empowers entrepreneurs to launch and grow
successful businesses that benefit Delaware’s economy. To learn more, visit westendnh.org.