Homeless Assistance in Delaware

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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Delaware within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Delaware residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Delaware. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Delaware. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Delaware veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Delaware residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Delaware. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Delaware receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Delaware Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Delaware locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Delaware community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Delaware residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Delaware State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Delaware for residents experiencing homelessness.

Delaware Housing Assistance Programs

DSHA administers state and federal programs including rental assistance, emergency shelter grants, and transitional housing for Delaware residents in need.

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TANF – Delaware

Temporary cash assistance for Delaware families with dependent children. Apply through the Division of Social Services at any local DHSS office.

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Delaware Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible low-income Delaware residents including adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.

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Delaware Housing Programs

Delaware State Housing Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Delaware residents.

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Delaware Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Delaware’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Delaware households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Delaware cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Wilmington

Wilmington Housing Authority — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Wilmington area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Dover

Central Delaware CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Dover area.

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Newark

Family Promise of NCDe — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Newark area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Delaware.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Delaware near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.

No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Delaware. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Delaware benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.

Yes. Delaware has strong programs for homeless veterans including:

HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
Delaware Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Delaware veterans

Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.

Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Delaware.

Apply at Delaware’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.

Assistance by State

Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.

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