Housing and financial assistance for women combines federal programs (HUD, TANF, SNAP, LIHEAP) with state and local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), with VAWA giving survivors of domestic violence priority and emergency transfer rights. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing run through HUD's Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry. Mothers with custodial children typically qualify for TANF cash assistance and family-priority housing. Community action agencies and 211 lines coordinate utility help, emergency funds, and rent assistance. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 referral lines, and community action agencies.
Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Wilmington and Dover are the population centers. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI), Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, and the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence support women.
DSHA at 18 The Green in Dover administers Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties, and Delaware-specific homeownership programs including down-payment assistance. Mothers can call 302-739-4263 to check waitlist status; waitlist openings are announced publicly.
302-739-4263 · 18 The Green, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
HAP provides one-time emergency rental and utility assistance to Delaware mothers facing eviction or shutoff. Funds are limited and typically released in monthly tranches; call 302-739-4263 early in the month for highest chance of placement. Bring eviction notice, lease, and ID.
302-739-4263 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
Friendship House at 22 N Walnut St runs emergency clothing, daytime drop-in support, and transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness in Wilmington. Programs include the Empowerment Center for women and the Pallet Village transitional shelters. Call 302-652-8133 for current intake.
302-652-8133 · 22 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · 24/7 · Visit Website
Sunday Breakfast Mission at 110 N Poplar St Wilmington operates a women-and-children's shelter with 24/7 intake, three daily meals, case management, and faith-based recovery programming. Call 302-652-8314 to request a bed; sober-living expectations apply.
302-652-8314 · 110 N Poplar St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · 24/7 · Visit Website
Habitat NCC builds affordable homes in Wilmington and surrounding areas, selling them at no profit to qualifying low-income families who contribute sweat-equity hours. Mothers can call 302-652-0365 to attend a Homeowner Information Session; applications open in cycles.
302-652-0365 · Wilmington, DE · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Delaware General Assistance provides short-term cash help for rent, utilities, and basic needs to mothers who don't qualify for TANF. Apply at any DSS office or call 800-372-2022. Bring photo ID, proof of income, lease or utility bill, and the eviction or shutoff notice.
800-372-2022 · Statewide — Apply at DSS offices · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
Catholic Charities' Dover office at 50 Loockerman Square offers emergency rental and utility help, homelessness prevention case management, and food pantry access for Kent County mothers. Eligibility is need-based, not faith-based. Call 302-674-1600 to schedule an intake screening.
302-674-1600 · 50 Loockerman Square Suite 202, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
HUD's site lets mothers locate the Section 8, public housing, and homeless-services office covering their ZIP, plus apply for fair-housing complaint investigation if discrimination is suspected. The Delaware HUD field office is in Wilmington.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Continuum of Care locator on HUD.gov shows which agency is the homeless-services lead in your county. In New Castle County the CoC routes intakes through Friendship House and Sunday Breakfast Mission; in Kent/Sussex it's coordinated through Code Purple shelters.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
LIHEAP helps low-income mothers pay heating and cooling bills, plus weatherization upgrades. Delaware's program is administered by DHSS; the federal site explains eligibility (typically 150% of poverty) and the application window, which usually opens in October.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Salvation Army corps in Wilmington, Dover, and Sussex County run rent and utility assistance, food pantries, after-school programs, and seasonal aid. Funds vary month to month; the national locator confirms which Delaware corps is currently accepting applications.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The national Catholic Charities locator surfaces every diocesan agency with housing and family-support programs, useful when a Delaware mother has family in another diocese and needs continuity of services after a move.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
United Way of Delaware funds 211 and many of the state's emergency-assistance partners. The national site explains the United Way model and connects mothers in other states (or family members elsewhere) to their local 211.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The national Habitat site explains the homeownership program, applicant requirements (steady income, willingness to partner, demonstrated need), and the sweat-equity expectation. Useful for mothers researching long-term paths out of renting.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Family Promise affiliates rotate homeless families through congregational shelter networks with intensive case management aiming at permanent housing in 30-90 days. The closest affiliates to Delaware are in Newark and southern New Jersey.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website