For many living in the encampments of Georgetown, life was defined by a “constant turmoil of trauma.” In the woods, security was nonexistent, and survival often meant enduring assault, hunger, and the elements. As Trish Hill, the first paid employee and current project manager of the program recalls, helping people in day programs was a “losing battle” when they had to return to those conditions every night.

“I realized that I could help people during the day all I wanted,” Trish explains. “But the problem was that they would go out after they left the day program to absolute trauma.”

A place to breathe

The solution came in the form of a “pallet shelter” community. While the ultimate goal remains building permanent cottage homes, these small, private cabins provided something a tent never could: a locking door and a safe space.

The impact was almost immediate. Trish notes that within just two weeks of moving in, residents showed a visible change. They were rested, no longer hungry, and—for the first time in years—felt safe enough to “breathe.” This safety is the foundation of their recovery, making it possible for individuals to finally address mental health issues or addiction.

Restoring dignity through ownership

One of the most moving aspects of the village is how quickly it became a true neighborhood. Residents didn’t just stay in the cabins; they took ownership of them.

• Personal Touches: Residents decorated with carpets and lawn ornaments.
• A Veteran’s Pride: One military veteran adorned his door with a plaque and his flag, displaying his medals inside.
• Community Care: Unlike the stigma often associated with homelessness, the village is kept clean and personalized, reflecting the pride residents feel in their new community.

The “resident steward” success

To help residents transition back into the workforce, the village launched the Resident Steward program. This initiative gives residents leadership roles—such as community watch, cleaning, or cooking—for a stipend of $75 a day.

Trish shares the story of one woman who had been written off by hospitals due to severe mental health and addiction issues. After joining the village and taking on a cleaning role in the community center, she blossomed.

“The hospitals had said, ‘Oh, you’ll be back’… they didn’t even give her the opportunity to thrive. She said that being in the village and being safe actually gave her purpose.”

Today, that same woman is practicing art and reconnecting with her children. She is just one of many who have used the program to learn “soft skills”—like reliability and punctuality—that have led to successful outside employment.

A call for “humanity and grace”

When asked what the wider Georgetown community can do to help, Trish’s message is simple:  Replace stigma with grace.

She encourages local businesses to become “second chance” employers, looking past criminal histories to see the intrinsic value in people trying to rebuild. “They are individuals, they are human beings,” Trish says. “They are part of this community, whether somebody wants them to be or not. They deserve that chance to be loved.”

Through mentoring, art donations, and employment opportunities, the Georgetown Pallet Village isn’t just providing a roof—it’s proving that with safety and support, anyone can find their way home.

For more information, contact Bonnie Winchester at bonnie@springboarddelawre.org or 302-538-4735 or visit https://www.springboarddelaware.org/