Volunteers of America's Brightway Commons
Dedicated in Delaware

Milford, DE - In a ceremony on October 9, 2007, Volunteers of America dedicated Brightway Commons, its first affordable housing community in Delaware. Among the dignitaries participating in the event was Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner. In addressing the crowd, Governor Minner said, "We are pleased to partner with Volunteers of America in an effort to bring more affordable housing in Delaware."

Brightway Commons, a joint venture between Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and the National Office, is an 80-unit complex in Milford, Delaware which was acquired and renovated to improve housing conditions for the families that live there. The renovation process was funded by federal Low-Income Tax Credits, loans from the Delaware State Housing Authority, and HUD. In addition to major interior and exterior property improvements, Brightway Commons has a new community center which provides meeting space for on-site services for residents such as financial literacy workshops, nutrition classes and organized programs for youth. Volunteers of America Delaware Valley provides social services to tenants to help them maintain permanent affordable housing. Discover Bank has made donation to help underwrite those services.

In addition to the Governor, speakers at the dedication included President and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Daniel L. Lombardo; Volunteers of America National President Charles Gould; Milford Mayor Joseph Rogers; Tim Winstead, Delaware Sen. Thomas Carperís representative; Tim McLaughlin from the Delaware State Housing Authority; and Ruth Brown, a resident of Brightway Commons.

Several Volunteers of America Delaware Valley staff and Brightway Commons residents turned out in support of the ceremony and enjoyed the reception that followed.