The Neighborhood House Housing Services Department celebrated its silver anniversary on September 27 with a day of workshops and an awards luncheon. Milton R.Pratt,Jr., regional director of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon.

Former Mayor James H. Sills, Jr. and Roland Ridgeway of First USA/Bank One received awards for their contributions to housing.

The department started in 1977 to address the counseling needs of South Wilmington residents. During the 80s the department expanded quickly with the addition of housing development and home improvement efforts.

In 1988,the agency broke ground for "Apple Square," a group of 28 modular homes. During the 1990s the department developed Cabean Square and began administering the Weatherization Program for the state in New Castle County.

Currently, plans are on the books for another phase of Cabean Square and expansion into the Middletown area to provide affordable housing in southern New Castle County.