THE EVOLVE BLOG

BIG IDEAS for a BIG Problem: Partnering with Delaware’s Business Community to Combat Homelessness

By Dan Hubbard

Homelessness is a crisis that affects us all—our neighborhoods, our workforce, our health systems, and our collective conscience. At Evolve Outreach, we believe that solving big problems requires big ideas—and bold partnerships. That’s why we’re calling on Delaware’s business leaders to stand with us and tackle homelessness in a way that’s never been done before: through strategic, purpose-driven investment and deep community collaboration.

Efforts to effectively combat homelessness in our communities requires the engagement of our business leaders. They hire people, they open new businesses and expand to new locations, they decide whether to accept a rental application, and they are the number one generator of the tax dollars the government spends to combat homelessness. Any non-profit, commission, panel, collaborative, or advisory group not embracing our business community will have a maximum effective range of zero meters.

Whether you’re a company headquartered in the First State or one with a strong presence here, now is the time to get involved. Your leadership can create real, lasting change—not just for the individuals we serve, but for entire communities.

BIG IDEAS with Tangible Impact

We're not asking for charity. We're asking for partnership in solving one of the most pressing humanitarian and economic challenges of our time. Here are just a few of the BIG IDEAS where your business can lead:

Hotel & Motel Conversions for Housing

We’re working to acquire and repurpose hotels and motels across the state to provide transitional housing. These sites will be operated by formerly homeless individuals receiving job training—building dignity, stability, and skill sets for long-term employment.

Land Use for Tiny Homes

We want to work with landowners to construct Tiny Villages throughout the First State to house Evolve Outreach formerly homeless person’s who are employed, contributing to rent and utilities, free of drug and alcohol use, and one-step before permanent housing that they are paying for.

Training & Employment Pathways

We’re inviting businesses to directly hire participants in Evolve Outreach programs, offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and career pipelines. This isn’t just a lifeline for our clients—it’s a workforce development opportunity for your company.

Vehicle Donations

Vans and transport vehicles can be game-changers—getting people to medical appointments, job interviews, housing visits, and support programs safely and reliably.

Support for Recovery, Readiness, and Accountability

Your donations can fund routine drug and alcohol screening for program participants—a critical piece of maintaining accountability and providing the kind of structure many need to move forward successfully.

Partner with Us on Drop-In Points

Support your local communities by co-hosting or sponsoring Drop-in Points. These welcoming spaces providing goods or services to recently homeless that you make available by appointment to those well on their way to a better to a better condition of life.

Serve on the Community Advisory Board (CAB)

We need voices from the business world to help guide our strategy, increase impact, and shape the direction of our work. The CAB. The CAB meets virtually monthly – beginning in June -- and hosts quarterly in-person town halls across Delaware.

Full Fiscal Transparency & a Rewarding Partnership Structure

We understand the importance of good stewardship. When you collaborate with Evolve Outreach, you’re working with a nonprofit that offers 100% fiscal transparency, detailed reporting, and clear outcomes. Our systems are built to show exactly where funds go—and the difference they’re making.

We also offer a tax-advantaged partnership structure, making it easier for your organization to fulfill its philanthropic goals in a way that’s efficient, rewarding, and impactful.

Why Now, and Why Delaware?

We’re proud to be launching all of this from Dover, right here in Delaware. Our solutions are built in partnership with communities and nonprofits—and we’re already meeting with leaders in business and government across the state to align, collaborate, and take action.

With the launch of our Community Resources Management and Information System (CRMIS) beginning beta testing in late Summer 2025, and full launch scheduled for Winter 2025, we’re building something big. Both systems are free for Delaware nonprofits working in homelessness and hunger, and designed to strengthen the entire support ecosystem by sharing resources and responding to real-time needs.

Now, with businesses alongside us, we can go even further—faster.

This Is About Community, Not Charity

We know business leaders care about their communities. Evolve Outreach exists to help your company amplify that care into action—action that’s smart, coordinated, measurable, and lasting.

We're not asking for one-time donations—we're inviting you to be part of a statewide, systems-level transformation. We want to be a great nonprofit partner to businesses by offering:

Real-time transparent reporting and fiscal responsibility from Evolve Outreach of all out efforts in the First State

Structures that align with your CSR goals

Opportunities for your staff to get directly involved

A seat at the table to help shape policy and programs

Let’s Build a Better Delaware, Together

Whether your business is large or small, local or national, there is a role for you to play. Let’s work together to tackle homelessness at the root, uplift lives, and build smarter systems of care.

Together, we’re getting to a better condition of life.

For more information, to schedule a conversation, or to get involved today, email Info@EvolveOutreach.org, or use our Quick Contact form.