THE HAVEN PROJECT NORTH DOVER
The Gertrude M. Ford House.
Now open: the original North Dover HAVEN house is dedicated entirely to nonprofit programs serving women.
THE HAVEN PROJECT 01 / NORTH DOVERA STRATEGIC OUTREACH SITE
A stable place in the right location.
THE FACILITY'S ROLE
Facility purpose.
This is a perfect program accessory location for:
Self-sufficient individuals who may have a job and a car but lost their home and just need a month to get back in the swing of life.
Participants in the final leg of programs (such as substance abuse recovery) who are close to full self-sufficiency and just need the one-month cushion provided at the house.
Independent living readiness: This site is specifically reserved for those who no longer require high-touch supervision or clinical intervention and are ready to transition directly into permanent, independent housing.
Final destination placement: This facility serves as the final step in the continuum of care; it is not a "way-station" to another facility, but a launchpad for the return to the general workforce and community.
THE PHYSICAL SPACE
Facility details.
Amenities: Fully furnished with furniture, Wi-Fi, television, kitchenwares, washer and dryer.
Parking: Features a large driveway to accommodate vehicles for any program participant or guest nonprofit visitors.
The Setting: Situated on a generous 0.26-acre lot, the property offers a peaceful, "haven-like" atmosphere with mature trees and ample outdoor space, fostering a sense of dignity for all who visit.
Quiet Integration: Located in a calm residential pocket, the site allows for focused program participation away from the noise of the city center.
WHY NORTH DOVER
Strategic location & connectivity.
Transit Hub Access: Located directly on the DART First State bus line, providing seamless, car-independent access to the Dover Transit Center.
Workforce Proximity: The house is positioned within a five-mile radius of 1,500 active job openings. Participants are minutes away from major employers including:
Retail & Logistics: Walmart, Target, and regional distribution centers.
Manufacturing: Leading facilities such as Procter & Gamble and Kraft Heinz.
Public Sector: Easy access to Delaware State offices and local services.
Essential Services: Participants can easily reach grocery stores (ALDI, Food Lion), pharmacies, and healthcare providers like Eden Hill Medical Center via the local transit corridor.
THE BROADER HAVEN PROJECT
Mission & operations.
About the Haven Project
The Haven Project provides specialized housing solutions tailored to specific participant requirements, local zoning, and goal-oriented stages of recovery. Our goal is to establish dedicated locations for:
- Single mothers who are homeless.
- Homeless families (Mom, Dad, and children).
- Veterans.
- Youth aging out of the orphanage system.
- Homeless individuals with special needs.
Operational Scope & Independence
The Haven Project operates independently of state-regulated networks such as Housing Alliance Delaware (HAD), Centralized Intake, aand Delaware 2-1-1. By removing the overhead and bureaucratic constraints of traditional institutional providers, we deliver higher-quality residential environments at less than half the operational cost typically seen in state-network facilities.
Strategic Growth
We work directly with partner nonprofits to place participants into high-standard environments. Our model prioritizes safety and dignity by selecting locations strictly outside of high-crime or drug-impacted areas. The Haven Project is aggressively expanding in Delaware, with a target of adding one new property approximately every 45 days.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
How HAVEN works, and what’s expected.
We share these documents so families, nonprofit partners, and neighbors can understand how HAVEN works and what is expected during a stay. The Master Accessory Resource Space License Agreement explains the responsibilities of Evolve Outreach and the sponsoring nonprofit. Addendum A explains the facility rules and code of conduct for program participants. You can read both without applying for placement. These pages are for information; any agreement is completed in a separate signing space.
THE GERTRUDE M. FORD HOUSE
A Legacy of Strength, Grace, and Devotion
The Legacy The Gertrude M. Ford
The Gertrude M. Ford House is named in honor of a woman whose life embodied the profound grace, nurturing strength, and quiet dignity that this facility aims to cultivate in every woman who passes through its doors.
Lovingly known to all as “Sissy,” Mrs. Ford dedicated her entire life to creating stability, warmth, and an unshakeable foundation for those she loved. She understood that a thriving life begins with a safe, supportive, and dignified environment.
A Nurturing and Protective Spirit
As the oldest of her siblings, leadership, protection, and care were second nature to Mrs. Ford. She carried that innate responsibility throughout her entire life. In her younger years, she brought her strong work ethic to the mushroom factory in Kennett Square, PA, experiencing firsthand the dedication it takes to labor for a better future.
She later transitioned into becoming a devoted stay-at-home wife and homemaker—a role she treated with the utmost pride and seriousness. For Mrs. Ford, managing a home was not just about maintaining a physical structure; it was about cultivating a sanctuary of peace, order, and unconditional support.
The Blueprint of a God-Fearing Woman
Mrs. Ford was the ultimate blueprint of sacrifice, faith, and family loyalty. Her entire life was a testament of service to her family as a devoted companion, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the absolute definition of a strong, God-fearing woman who stood as the unshakeable anchor of her household.
She poured her life into raising her children and grandchildren, even stepping up to raise her grandchild from birth alongside her lifelong companion, providing the critical love, guidance, strength, and stability throughout their lives. She carried herself with an unmistakable grace, dignity, and style wherever she went. She took great pride in dressing beautifully and presenting her best self to the world—a powerful reflection of her self-respect and inner strength. Whether she was playing cards, enjoying bingo, or simply sharing a neighborhood conversation, her presence elevated the room.
A Heart That Welcomed Everyone
To the Coatesville community and everyone who knew her, Mrs. Ford was a beacon of warmth. She possessed a rare, loving heart that naturally made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Her kindness was a quiet force that tied her neighborhood together, leaving an indelible mark on every life she touched. Even during her courageous battle with colon cancer, she faced her health challenges with a fierce, quiet strength that inspired everyone around her until her passing in 2019 at the age of 89.
Why Her Name Matters Here
The women who enter this facility are navigating a transitional chapter in their journeys toward self-sufficiency. They possess the resilience, but they are searching for the stability and support required to rebuild.
The Gertrude M. Ford House stands as a reminder of what a dedicated woman can build. Her name is on this house to assure every participant that they are entering a space rooted in protective care, dignity, and pride. Her legacy stands as proof that with grace, inner strength, and a foundation of mutual support, a woman can overcome any hardship and cultivate a beautiful, stable future for herself and her family.
PARTICIPANT PLACEMENT
Ready to take the next step?
Submit a request through the shared HAVEN placement application. Tell us about the sponsoring program and household.