WSFS Cares Foundation donates $50K to Social Finance

October 31, 2025 15

WILMINGTON — The WSFS Cares Foundation donated $50,000 grant to Social Finance, Inc., a national nonprofit, for the recent launch of the Family Housing Opportunities for Purposeful Empowerment Project (Family HOPE Project), aimed at providing housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness in New Castle County, Delaware.

The WSFS Cares Foundation grant will support services for families at the New Castle County Hope Center who enroll in the Family HOPE Project. The Hope Center, a former hotel purchased and repurposed during the pandemic, provides short-term, emergency, and permanent supportive housing, as well as medical respite for people experiencing homelessness in Delaware. These services include an extended stay at the Hope Center, direct rental assistance, and ongoing case management paired with financial counseling.

“The Family HOPE Project will offer vital support for our community, and the WSFS CARES Foundation is committed to partnering with nonprofits that offer tangible support during a time of need,” Patrick J. Ward, executive vice president, senior advisor at WSFS Bank and Chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation, said. “WSFS is also pleased to support the Hope Center through volunteer efforts including during this year’s We Stand for Service Day.”

– Advertisement –

Social Finance is working with the county to create a measurable increase in permanent housing retention and decrease in shelter stays. “We are grateful to partners like the WSFS CARES Foundation for amplifying the impact of the Family HOPE Project,” Samantha Mignotte Christian, director at Social Finance, said. “Their commitment provides crucial support needed to empower families to achieve long-term housing stability.”

Individuals and families come to the Hope Center from one of 16 different referral groups including state agencies, hospitals, and nonprofit agencies. The facility serves more than 1,200 households a year, including people with special needs, veterans, and people over the age of 62. In 2024, nearly two-thirds of those households were families with children.

“The Hope Center has become a lifeline for hundreds of families in our community, and the Family HOPE Project represents the next step in helping them achieve long-term stability,” New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry said. “We’re grateful to the WSFS CARES Foundation for its partnership and investment in this effort. Their generosity will strengthen our work to ensure every family has the support, stability, and opportunity they need to succeed.”