Extreme Makeover, Shelter Home Edition

Renovations are now underway at the site of our new residential program. BCI is leasing a shelter home in Ellendale from our partners Delmarva Clergy United In Social Action (DCUSA). There is much work to be done but we expect it to be complete by November.

Residents will live here at the shelter. Their daily activities will take place across the street at the DCUSA main building, which includes classroom space, dining hall, computers, and daycare. The shelter has five studios capable of housing two adults each, as well as two bedroom apartments.

Here you can see the shelter as it was:














Turnstone Builders of Milton is doing the work for us. Here, they are replacing the roof.


Shay Lipshitz, Director of Sussex County Services, shows where a wall will be removed to create a sitting area.


Bishop Major Foster, President/CEO of DCUSA, on a tractor helping with the renovations.


Shay takes her turn on the tractor.


Shay, the Bishop, and foreman Matt Cleary review the plans for the renovations.


This is only the beginning – stay tuned for more pictures as we transform this shelter into a welcoming home environment for women and their children.

We have also decided to name the program The Lighthouse – what do you think?