A new action/advocacy group is forming, made up of of people who are homeless, or formerly homeless, and others who are concerned about the lack of shelter, services and employment opportunities for poor people in Kent County, Delaware. We originally came together to discuss the lack of shelter and other essentials of living for those of use who are single men in the area, but quickly saw that the problem we faced was bigger than a few more beds at a shelter: lack of education; lack of good paying jobs; lack of affordable housing (under $300 per month); poor health; and addictions. We are writing to ask for the Speer Trusts support in the development of an advocacy/action group to address these issues.

The men who have been involved thus far indicate that the lack of good paying, permanent employment is a reason for their homelessness and for the difficulty that they have in regaining stability once they have been homeless. Often the only jobs available to these men are through temporary employment agencies or in the food service industry. Both offer low pay and sporadic hours. The men understand that their lack of education, along with their spotty work histories work together to keep them in undesirable work situations. In addition, these men do not have the benefit of a network of friends and family who can help them attain the few remaining unskilled jobs that pay enough to live on.

Several men have spoken of their desire to start their own businesses in landscaping, furniture refinishing, and other areas. Others want to work in a stable job and build skills and knowledge for advancement. Other causes of poverty have been acknowledged including racism, lack of power among poor people, and lack of a community safety net of family and friends who can assist a person through a hard time. However, the injustice of the economic system seems to be the most obvious barrier to the men who have been coming to the Shelter Right meetings.

Partners in the start-up of ShelterRight include: Reverend Boyd of United Fellowship, The First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, members of The Shepherd Place and the Ruth N. Dorsey Shelters, the Delaware Housing Coalition, and God’s Way to Recovery of Milford.

Mike Yost, one of the originators of ShelterRight, represented Delaware at the recent Poor People's Summit organized by the Kensington Welfare Rights Union.