Delaware Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Delaware.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 989,948
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,102 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $18 million allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Wilmington, Dover, Newark
- Primary Challenges: Limited shelter capacity, substance use disorders, affordable housing shortage
Emergency Contact Numbers
Delaware 211
211
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(302) 577-4477
Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 272-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(302) 762-6110
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Delaware based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Delaware:
Salvation Army - Harbor of Hope
City: Wilmington
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, substance abuse treatment
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women
Phone: (302) 777-7450
Address: 1350 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: 24/7
Connections Community Support Programs
City: Wilmington
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, mental health support
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (302) 575-0720
Address: 501 W 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Intake 9am-5pm Mon-Fri
Hope House
City: Dover
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing assistance
Restrictions: Family shelter prioritizes women and children
Phone: (302) 734-3775
Address: 212 E Water St, Dover, DE 19901
Hours: Call for availability
People's Place II
City: Georgetown
Services: Emergency shelter, substance abuse recovery programs
Restrictions: Must be in recovery
Phone: (302) 856-5860
Address: 5 Suncraft Way, Georgetown, DE 19947
Hours: Call for intake times
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Delaware:
Food Bank of Delaware
City: Milford
Services: Food distribution network throughout the state
Requirements: None for mobile food pantries
Salvation Army Wilmington Soup Kitchen
City: Wilmington
Services: Free hot meals daily
Requirements: None
Phone: (302) 777-7450
Address: 1350 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Lunch 11:30am, Dinner 4:30pm
Ministry of Caring
City: Wilmington
Services: Soup kitchen, food pantry, senior meals
Requirements: None for soup kitchen
Phone: (302) 652-5523
Address: 115 E 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: 11am-12:30pm Mon-Fri
Good Will Fire Company Food Pantry
City: Newark
Services: Food pantry distribution
Requirements: Proof of residency
Phone: (302) 366-1488
Address: 530 Ogletown Rd, Newark, DE 19711
Hours: Thursdays 1pm-3pm
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Delaware:
Henrietta Johnson Medical Center
City: Wilmington
Services: Primary care, dental, behavioral health
Requirements: Sliding fee scale based on income
Phone: (302) 655-4646
Address: 601 New Castle Ave, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Wesley United Methodist Church Medical Clinic
City: Dover
Services: Free medical care for uninsured
Requirements: Must be uninsured
Phone: (302) 674-2626
Address: 316 S State St, Dover, DE 19901
Hours: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 4pm-7pm
Crisis Intervention Services
City: Wilmington
Services: Mental health crisis support, emergency services
Requirements: None for crisis services
Phone: (302) 577-2484
Crisis Line: (302) 577-2496
Hours: 24/7 crisis support
Dover Free Clinic
City: Dover
Services: Primary care, prescription assistance
Requirements: Income verification
Phone: (302) 677-8885
Address: 2095 S Governors Ave, Dover, DE 19904
Hours: Tuesdays 5pm-8pm
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking areas and camping resources in Delaware:
Safe Haven Day Shelter
City: Wilmington
Services: Day shelter, case management, resource referrals
Requirements: Sign-in required
Phone: (302) 658-3707
Address: 818 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Lums Pond State Park
City: Bear
Services: Tent camping facilities
Requirements: Camping fees apply
Phone: (302) 368-6989
Address: 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701
Hours: 8am-sunset
Dover Safe Haven
City: Dover
Services: Coordinated entry for housing services
Requirements: Assessment required
Phone: (302) 734-1200
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Trap Pond State Park
City: Laurel
Services: Camping facilities
Requirements: Camping fees apply
Phone: (302) 875-5163
Address: 33587 Baldcypress Ln, Laurel, DE 19956
Hours: 8am-sunset
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, hygiene services, and related resources in Delaware:
Hope Center Shower Program
City: Wilmington
Services: Showers, toiletries, clean towels
Requirements: Registration required
Phone: (302) 571-8683
Address: 501 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm
Paul's Place
City: Wilmington
Services: Shower facilities, clothing assistance
Requirements: None
Phone: (302) 657-9336
Address: 1012 N Pine St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-12pm
Dover YMCA
City: Dover
Services: Day passes for shower facilities
Requirements: Community partner referral
Phone: (302) 734-9622
Address: 1137 S State St, Dover, DE 19901
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm
New Castle County Public Libraries
City: Various
Services: Clean restrooms, water fountains, hygiene products
Requirements: Library card recommended
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and advocacy resources in Delaware:
Legal Services Corporation
City: Wilmington
Services: Free legal assistance for low-income residents
Requirements: Income eligibility guidelines
Phone: (302) 478-8850
Address: 100 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Community Legal Aid Society
City: Wilmington
Services: Housing rights, benefits advocacy
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Delaware Center for Justice
City: Dover
Services: Policy advocacy, legal education
Requirements: Varies by service
Disabilities Law Program
City: Wilmington
Services: Legal advocacy for disability issues
Requirements: Disability-related legal matters
Phone: (302) 575-0696
Address: 144 E Market St, Georgetown, DE 19947
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and benefits resources in Delaware:
Delaware Health and Social Services
City: Various
Services: SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Social Security Administration
City: Wilmington
Services: SSI, SSDI, retirement benefits
Requirements: Eligibility varies by program
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Address: 920 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Delaware State Housing Authority
City: Dover
Services: Section 8, public housing, first-time homebuyer programs
Requirements: Income limits apply
Department of Labor
City: Wilmington
Services: Unemployment benefits, job training, career services
Requirements: Work history for unemployment
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations providing assistance in Delaware:
St. Michael's Lutheran Church
City: Wilmington
Services: Food pantry, clothing assistance, pastoral counseling
Requirements: None
Phone: (302) 622-5345
Address: 1910 Lovering Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
Hours: Pantry open Wednesdays 11am-2pm
New Castle United Methodist Church
City: New Castle
Services: Community breakfast, clothing bank
Requirements: None
Phone: (302) 322-8641
Address: 219 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720
Hours: Breakfast 8am-9am Saturdays
St. Mary Refuge of Holy Love
City: Dover
Services: Food pantry, utility assistance
Requirements: Intake interview
Phone: (302) 674-3445
Address: 316 S Governors Ave, Dover, DE 19904
Hours: Wed 10am-12pm
Islamic Society of Delaware
City: Newark
Services: Emergency food assistance, community meals
Requirements: Open to all
Phone: (302) 453-3700
Address: 200 Nottingham Rd, Newark, DE 19713
Hours: Call for specific service times
Delaware Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Delaware:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Delaware follows the 9th Circuit's Martin v. Boise decision. Cities cannot criminalize sleeping outdoors when shelter space is unavailable. Many municipalities have ordinances restricting camping in specific public areas, particularly parks and commercial districts.
Relevant Case: Martin v. Boise applies in Delaware (9th Cir. precedent)
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations vary by municipality. Most cities prohibit sleeping in vehicles on public streets overnight, though some areas are more enforcement-focused than others. No statewide safe parking initiatives currently exist.
Examples: Wilmington Code § 48-28 (overnight parking restrictions)
Food Sharing & Distribution
Delaware generally allows food sharing. Some cities require permits for large-scale distribution in public parks. Private property distribution is generally unrestricted.
Note: Check with individual municipalities for specific requirements
Property Rights & Seizure
Delaware requires notice before clearing encampments and must store personal property for a reasonable period. Immediate disposal may violate due process rights.
State Guidelines: Property must be held for at least 30 days
Housing Rights
Delaware has enacted landlord-tenant laws covering security deposit limits, notice requirements for evictions, and fair housing protections. No statewide rent control exists.
State Statute: Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 51 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Code)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Delaware, the following organizations can help:
Legal Services Corporation of Delaware
Provides free legal services for low-income residents in housing, benefits, and civil matters.
Phone: (302) 478-8850
Website: lscd.com
Community Legal Aid Society
Focuses on housing, benefits, and disability issues for low-income Delawareans.
Phone: (302) 575-0660
Website: declasi.org
Delaware Center for Justice
Advocates for policy change and provides legal education on homelessness issues.
Phone: (302) 266-0669
Website: dcj.org
First State Legal Services
Provides legal assistance in civil matters for elderly and disabled residents.
Phone: (302) 734-7441
Address: 302 W Loockerman St, Dover, DE 19904
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary by county in Delaware. Select a county to view specific information:
New Castle County
County Seat: Wilmington
Population: 570,719
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 683 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in most county parks. City ordinances vary by municipality.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited on county property overnight.
- Panhandling: Regulated but not prohibited. Aggressive panhandling is banned in most cities.
- Food Distribution: Permitted with varying permit requirements by city.
County Resources
Key resources specific to New Castle County:
- County Code Enforcement: Homeless encampment response - Contact
- New Castle County Police: Community outreach programs
- County Parks Department: (302) 395-5555 - For park rules and regulations
Kent County
County Seat: Dover
Population: 181,851
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 189 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in county parks and state property.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Dover Municipal Code restricts overnight vehicle dwelling in residential areas.
- Panhandling: Time, place, and manner restrictions apply.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, some cities require permits for large events.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Kent County:
- Kent County Levy Court: Social services coordination
- Dover Police Department: Community policing initiatives
- Kent County Library System: Daily resources and support services
Sussex County
County Seat: Georgetown
Population: 237,378
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 230 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in county parks and beaches year-round.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Varies by municipality, generally prohibited in beach communities.
- Panhandling: Restricted in business districts, especially beach resort areas.
- Food Distribution: Permitted with proper permits, especially enforced in tourist areas.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Sussex County:
- Sussex County Government: (302) 855-7700 - General services
- Sussex County Community Outreach: Limited homeless services outside Georgetown
- Beach Community Resources: Seasonal variation in resource availability
Success Stories from Delaware
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Delaware:
Robert's Journey
After living in his car for six months in Dover, Robert connected with the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). They helped him apply for disability benefits while providing transitional housing. Within a year, Robert secured permanent housing and now volunteers with the program that helped him.
"HDAP gave me a place to stay while I waited for my disability determination. The case workers never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself."
Resources that helped: HDAP, Transitional Housing, Disability Advocacy
Patricia's Journey
After a domestic violence situation forced Patricia and her three children into homelessness, they found shelter at Hope House in Dover. The comprehensive services helped Patricia secure a protection order, find employment, and transition into permanent housing through the state's Housing Choice Voucher program.
"Hope House was exactly what its name says. For the first time in months, my children had a safe place to sleep and I could focus on rebuilding our lives."
Resources that helped: Emergency Shelter, Domestic Violence Services, Housing Vouchers, Job Placement
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Delaware have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Delaware to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)
Type: Housing and Benefits Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing homelessness who may be eligible for disability benefits
Benefits: Temporary housing, disability application assistance, healthcare coordination
How to Apply: Through participating homeless services providers or by calling 211
Delaware Rapid Re-Housing Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk
Benefits: Short-term rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, housing search assistance
How to Apply: Through coordinated entry at local homeless services providers
Emergency Shelter Grant Program
Type: Shelter and Services Funding
Eligibility: Homeless services providers and organizations
Benefits: Funding for emergency shelter operations, essential services, homeless prevention
How to Apply: Organizations apply through annual competitive process
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Delaware based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners