Emergency Shelter
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There are five crisis shelters in Delaware that serve victims/survivors of domestic violence. Shelters provide people with physical safety and a connection to supportive resources. All services are free of charge and can be accessed by calling the DV hotline.
New Castle County: 302-762-6110
Kent & Sussex Counties: 302-422-8058
Abriendo Puertas: 302-745-9874
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The Homeless Helpline coordinates access to emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing for households experiencing homelessness in Delaware.
Call 1-833-FIND-BED (346-3233) or email: intake@housingalliancede.org
Accessing Delaware Housing Resources
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This guide was developed by the Domestic Violence Task Force Housing Subcommittee. It is designed as a resource for advocates assisting victims/survivors in accessing safe housing.
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DelawareHousingSearch.org is a free, Delaware-based, property listing service that includes pictures, maps, and filtered search tool. Find everything from accessible homes to rentals and affordable homes for sale. Listings are updated daily.
For Advocates who are registered in the PAIR system to assist survivors in applying for Low Income Tax Credit set-aside units, this is also the link to submit applications.
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Housing Delaware [formerly The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)] is the state’s housing finance agency. Housing Delaware helps people get into homes, which in turn supports families, strengthens communities, and makes our state a better place to live.
Understanding the Types of Housing Available
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This document, developed by the federal Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium, provides a tool for advocates to assess and respond to the housing needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors.
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The National Housing Law Project provides detailed explanations for the various types of housing available.
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For more Delaware-specific information, Housing Delaware (formerly known as the Delaware State Housing Authority) has a resource page explaining housing types and rental information.
Homelessness Prevention
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Click on Programs, then under Basic Needs, there is a list of resources.
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Resources include food rescue, baby pantry, a job center for those seeking employment, a day center that provides access to a safe place off the streets during the day, and emergency assistance to avoid eviction and/or utility disconnection.
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Services include food pantries and housing stability assistance.
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Emergency Assistance includes financial and food support to family and individuals.
Programs provided include the Statewide Security Deposit Loan Program, Statewide Re-entry Program, and Food Closet. -
Delaware's State Service Centers, operated by DHSS, can assist with public benefits, like food access, healthcare access, and cash/family support. They also offer emergency and crisis assistance, including immediate aid for basic needs such as utility/energy bills (LIHEAP and Delaware Energy Assistance Program), emergency rent, or housing/shelter vouchers.
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Located in Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford
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Friendship House offers comprehensive case management, transitional housing, financial supports, supportive services, life skills & job training, and a clothing bank.
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Family Promise of Southern Delaware partners with other organizations to help pay back rent, security deposits, first months rent, utilities and other expenses that contribute to increasing housing stability.
