How to Use This Delaware Guide

• Immediate & Crisis Help: Safety nets for urgent needs, including hotlines and shelters.
• Food Assistance: Access to SNAP, food banks, and nutrition programs.
• Financial & Housing Aid: Support with rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
• Health & Mental Healthcare: Resources for medical, dental, and behavioral health.
• Additional State Resources: Legal aid, veteran services, and other unique needs. 

Immediate & Crisis Help

Delaware-Specific Crisis Support

• Northern Delaware Crisis Hotline: Call 800-652-2929
• Southern Delaware Crisis Hotline: Call 800-345-6785
• Child & Adolescents Hotline: Call 800-969-4357 (HELP)

Domestic Violence

• New Castle County: 302-762-6110 
• Northern Kent County: 302-678-3886 
• Kent and Sussex Counties: 302-422-8058 

Homelessness

• For individuals and families in need of shelter, you can call the centralized intake line at 1-833-FIND-BED (1-833-346-3233)

Food Assistance Programs

Food Pantries in Delaware

How to Find a Pantry Near You

• Use the Food Bank of Delaware's Website: The Food Bank of Delaware website has a dedicated page for its community food pantry partners across the state. This is the most reliable source for an updated list.
• Dial 2-1-1: For a comprehensive referral service, call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. This free, confidential helpline can connect you to food pantries and other essential services in your specific area.
• Contact the Food Bank Directly: You can also contact the Food Bank of Delaware for more information and guidance. 

Financial & Housing Assistance in Delaware

Program Details and Important Updates

• TANF Benefits Overview: Monthly cash assistance amounts are based on family size. For example, a family of three can receive $338 per month. The program also offers a Diversion Assistance option for a one-time lump sum payment instead of ongoing benefits.
• Unemployment Insurance Details: The weekly benefit amount ranges from a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $330. To maintain eligibility, you must be actively seeking work and register with the state's employment and training service.
• Housing Assistance Status: The centralized waiting list for Section 8 vouchers is closed at the time of writing. You can check the Delaware Housing Search website or call (877) 428-8844 for a list of available rental units.

How to Find the Latest Information

• For LIHEAP (DEAP) and Unemployment: Visit the official Delaware state website at delaware.gov. Use the website's search function to look for "DEAP" or "Unemployment Insurance" to find the most current application portals and contact information.
• Contact Official Agencies Directly: For LIHEAP, you can also try contacting the Delaware Division of State Service Centers directly for guidance on how to apply.

Health and Mental Health Care in Delaware

Delaware's Community Health Centers

Finding Dental and Specialized Care

• Dental Clinics: The HJMC and Westside Family Healthcare locations listed above also provide dental services. Additionally, the Delaware Tech Dental Health Center in Wilmington can be contacted at (302) 571-5364.
• Substance Use Treatment: For substance use disorders, facilities like Brandywine Counseling and Community Services and CORAS Wellness & Behavioral Health offer treatment and may provide sliding-scale payments.

How to Find More Local Clinics

• Contact United Way 211: Dial 211 from any phone or call (800) 560-3372. This is a free, confidential service that can connect you to local healthcare resources, including help with transportation.
• Search Online Directories: Use national databases like the Free Clinic Directory or other online search tools, keeping in mind that listings may not be fully up-to-date.
• Call Ahead: Always contact the clinic directly to confirm they are accepting new patients, ask about their sliding fee scale, and verify what documents you need to bring to prove your income and residency. 

Diaper Banks in Delaware

• Call 2-1-1: This is a free, confidential helpline that connects people to local essential services, including diaper banks. Specialists are available 24/7 and can direct you to resources in your community.
• Use the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) Search Tool: The NDBN has a member directory on its website that can help you find affiliated diaper banks. You can visit their site and search for members in Delaware.
• Check with Major Organizations: Some nationwide organizations with local chapters may offer diaper assistance. You can try contacting your local branches of Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, or United Way to inquire about available programs.

What to Know When Seeking Help

• Delaware's Medicaid Program: Delaware has a unique program that provides diapers for some mothers. Through the "Diamond State Health Plan," the state can provide up to 80 diapers and one pack of wipes per week to mothers in the first 12 weeks postpartum. This is part of a special Medicaid initiative.
• Be Prepared: When you contact a diaper bank, they may ask for information such as your child's age or proof of income. It's a good idea to call ahead to learn about their specific requirements and distribution hours. 

Clothing Assistance in Delaware

How to Get Clothing Assistance

• Contact Delaware 211: For the most up-to-date list of local resources, dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. This is a free, confidential service that can connect you to clothing closets and other essential services in your specific area.
• Check with Local Organizations: Many local churches and community organizations run smaller clothing closets. Checking their social media pages or calling directly can provide information on distributions.
• Prepare for Your Visit: When contacting a program like the Clothing Bank of Delaware, be prepared to discuss your family's needs. For tribal assistance, ensure your enrollment and address information is current with the tribe.

Additional Resources in Delaware

Program Details and Eligibility

• Legal Aid Services: Organizations like Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS) and the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) assist low-income residents. They help with understanding lease agreements, responding to eviction notices, and combating unfair landlord practices.
• Utility Assistance Details: The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) helps with both heating and cooling costs. You may also qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to improve home energy efficiency. Eligibility is based on household size and income, for example, a family of three earning up to $5,296 per month may qualify. 

How to Get Involved in Local Mutual Aid in Delaware

How to Find More Local Opportunities

• Search Social Media Directly: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to search for key terms. Try combinations like "Mutual Aid [Your City in Delaware]," "Community Aid Delaware," or "Buy Nothing [Your Neighborhood]." These hyper-local groups are most active where community members organize and communicate.
• Use Volunteer Search Platforms: Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist are excellent for finding opportunities with established non-profits. You can filter your search for "Hunger, Food Security" to find food banks or other community aid organizations in Delaware that need volunteers.
• Contact Food Banks Directly: While a specific local food bank wasn't listed, you can use the Feeding America website's volunteer search tool to find member food banks in Delaware that need help with sorting food, packing boxes, or distribution. 

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Information is Subject to Change: The details provided on this page (including phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, and eligibility requirements) are gathered from public sources and are subject to change without notice. We strive to keep this information current, but we cannot guarantee its absolute accuracy at all times.
• Always Verify Directly: You should always confirm details by contacting the organization directly before visiting or applying. We highly recommend calling ahead to check for current hours, availability of services, documentation requirements, and appointment procedures.
• Not an Official Source: This blog is not a government agency, social service provider, or legal entity. We are a private resource compiling publicly available information to help our community. We cannot determine your eligibility for any program, provide direct financial assistance, or guarantee that you will receive services.
• No Eligibility Determinations: The inclusion of a program or organization on this list does not imply endorsement or a guarantee that you will qualify for assistance. Eligibility for all programs is determined solely by the administering organizations based on their specific guidelines.
• Use at Your Own Discretion: While we aim to list reputable organizations, we encourage you to use your best judgment when contacting and working with any service provider.