Sacred Heart Village II

The Ministry of Caring is a non-profit organization providing social, health, support services, affordable housing, and shelter to those living in poverty in Wilmington, Delaware. Founder Brother Ronald Giannone believes “The poor should never be treated poorly”. The ministry is continually striving to fill gaps in services for the poor.

Sacred Heart Village II is the ministry’s latest housing initiative aiming to address the urgent need for affordable housing for very-low-income seniors on East Side of Wilmington. Homsey Architects designed the building to blend with the two and three-story homes of Wilmington’s East Side Neighborhood. The design included the selection of brick colors and patterns, window head and sill materials, an ornate multi-height cornice, and a modulating façade to create a scale consistent with the neighborhood. The building was also designed to meet 21st century needs with modern amenities, and to meet the requirements of the U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development as well as the Delaware State Housing Authority. Located on the site of former Public School No. 21, circa 1881, the property has been returned to the community with a building that will allow its residents to age gracefully and respectfully in their own neighborhood

The red brick façade was designed to complement the neighborhood of modest of 100-year old brick row houses.

The 4 story 26-unit building includes common rooms and laundry facilities on each floor. A craft room, larger common area, snack bar, and dining room with a commercial kitchen are located on the lower level. Providing easy access to services and ample space to socialize enhances the building's sense of community, encoraging residents to occupy shared interactive spaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens within the units are equipped with removable lower cabinetry which can adapt for the wheelchair-bound if necessary, allowing residents to age in place.