Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Delaware and need housing help, start with the program that matches the problem in front of you. If you have nowhere safe to sleep, contact Housing Alliance Delaware’s Centralized Intake or call 2-1-1. If you have court papers or a voucher problem, contact Eviction Help right away. If you need long-term rent help, apply through the Affordable Housing Hub and keep your account updated.
There is no single Delaware program that pays everyone’s rent. Help depends on your county, income, family size, immigration or benefit status, funding, and whether your housing problem is an emergency. This guide focuses on real starting points, not “free money” claims. For broader options beyond housing, use our Delaware help guide.
If you need help today
If you are homeless or may be homeless soon: call or text 1-833-346-3233, also called 1-833-FIND-BED, or call 2-1-1. Centralized Intake is Delaware’s referral path for most emergency shelter and homeless housing programs.
If you are in danger at home: use a safe phone if you can. Domestic violence shelters and advocates can be reached through DV hotlines. New Castle County: 302-762-6110. Kent and Sussex Counties: 302-422-8058. Abriendo Puertas: 302-745-9874. The national hotline is 800-799-7233.
If you got eviction papers: do not ignore the court date. Delaware tenants facing eviction or loss of a housing voucher may be able to get free legal help through Eviction Help. You can also ask 2-1-1 to help you complete the intake.
If your utility bill is the crisis: ask about the Delaware Energy Assistance Program, often called DEAP or LIHEAP. The state DEAP page explains heating, cooling, crisis, and weatherization help.
Where to start
Housing help is easier to work through when you sort your need first. A family sleeping in a car needs a different path than a family on a Section 8 waiting list. Use the cards below as a starting point.
I have nowhere to stay
Contact Centralized Intake at 1-833-346-3233 or ask Delaware 211 for emergency shelter and homeless housing referrals.
I got an eviction notice
Call legal aid quickly. Do not skip court. Also ask about mediation and local rent help before the hearing.
I need long-term rent help
Apply for open voucher, public housing, and income-restricted options through Delaware’s waitlist hub. Read our Section 8 guide for plain-language basics.
I can pay some rent
Search income-restricted rentals, ask landlords about voucher acceptance, and check local nonprofit help for deposits, moving costs, or arrears.
For help that is not only housing, such as food, child care, Medicaid, and utility bills, keep our local resource guide open while you call agencies.
Quick reference table
| Need | Best first contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency shelter | Centralized Intake | Ask for shelter, rapid rehousing, or homeless services screening. | There may be no immediate bed. Keep calling and update your phone number. |
| Eviction papers | Delaware Legal Help Link | Ask for eviction defense intake and tell them your court date. | Legal help may depend on income, landlord type, staffing, and urgency. |
| Long-term rent help | Affordable Housing Hub | Ask which waiting lists are open and how to update your account. | A waiting list is not a voucher. Keep applying to apartments too. |
| Utility shutoff risk | DEAP / LIHEAP | Ask what season is open and which documents are needed. | LIHEAP is supplemental and may not pay the full bill. |
| Unsafe housing | Legal aid or code office | Ask how to document repairs safely before taking action. | Some complaints can lead to condemnation. Get advice first. |
Shelter and homeless help in Delaware
Delaware uses Centralized Intake for many emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing referrals. You can call or text 1-833-346-3233 during posted business hours, email intake@housingalliancede.org, or ask 2-1-1 to connect you. State Service Centers can also help people reach Centralized Intake.
Be ready to explain where you slept last night, whether you have children with you, whether anyone is pregnant, whether you are fleeing violence, and how to reach you. If your phone is not reliable, give a second safe contact number if possible.
Tip
Say clearly if you are sleeping outside, in a car, in a place not meant for housing, in a shelter, or doubled up with someone who says you must leave. These details can change which program screens you.
If you also need food, diapers, transportation, or clothing while you wait for housing help, use our emergency bills guide and WIC guide for other support paths.
Eviction and emergency rent help
If your landlord has filed in court, move fast. Delaware has an eviction defense system for many low-income tenants facing eviction or loss of a housing subsidy. You can start with the online intake at Delaware Legal Help Link, call 2-1-1 for help with intake, or call the legal aid office listed for your type of housing.
The Delaware Courts also offer information about the Delaware Courts landlord-tenant process, including eviction diversion. This article is not legal advice. If you have court papers, a lockout, a utility shutoff by the landlord, or a voucher termination notice, contact legal aid as soon as you can.
Important update about HSP
Delaware’s Housing Stability Program is no longer accepting new applications. DSHA’s HSP update says the portal closed May 7, 2026, and previously submitted applications will be processed until funds are spent. Do not rely on old articles that say HSP is open.
For current emergency funds, check the Division of State Service Centers’ Emergency Assistance page. Delaware says emergency assistance may help with rent, utilities, or emergency shelter for eligible low-income people when the household can maintain after the crisis and the emergency was caused by an unforeseen circumstance. Eligibility may also depend on receiving or being eligible for TANF, General Assistance, SSI, or certain Medicaid programs.
Also ask 2-1-1 about nonprofit rent, deposit, and moving help. These funds change often. Some agencies may only help once, may require a court case number, or may ask for proof that you can keep paying rent after the one-time help.
For a broader list of rent paths, see our rent help guide.
Section 8, public housing, and Delaware’s waitlist hub
Delaware’s five public housing authorities use a centralized online system for many Housing Choice Voucher and public housing applications. The Affordable Housing Hub shows participating housing authorities and open program listings. The hub says Delaware’s participating authorities use a common application for Section 8 and other affordable housing managed by housing authorities.
A Housing Choice Voucher can help pay rent in a private rental if the unit and landlord meet program rules. Public housing is tied to a specific property. Income-restricted rentals may have fixed rents that are lower than market rent, but they usually do not base rent on your exact income the same way a voucher does.
DSHA’s DSHA programs page says its Housing Choice Voucher program serves Kent and Sussex Counties, while other Delaware housing authorities serve other areas. New Castle County’s New Castle waitlist page also points applicants to the statewide hub.
Watch for scams
Do not pay anyone for a voucher, a “guaranteed” waitlist spot, or a special application. Use the official Delaware Affordable Housing Hub, your housing authority, or a trusted nonprofit. If a message feels suspicious, call the housing authority before clicking links or sharing documents.
If you already applied, log in often. A 2026 Delaware notice told some applicants to update or confirm information to remain active on the centralized waiting list. Even when no special notice is active, you should update your address, phone number, email, family size, income, disability status, and preference information whenever it changes.
Affordable apartments and rental search tools
While you wait for a voucher, keep searching for apartments you can afford now. DelawareHousingSearch.org is a free state resource for renters and property managers. You can search by city, county, ZIP code, accessibility needs, and other filters. The site lists a toll-free search help number: 1-877-428-8844.
HUD’s HUD Delaware page also points renters to HUD-approved housing counselors, public housing authority contacts, the HUD Resource Locator, DelawareHousingSearch.org, LIHTC properties, and USDA multifamily rentals. HUD also warns that the HUD Resource Locator does not show vacancies and that applicants must contact property managers directly.
When you call a property, ask whether there is an application fee, whether the waitlist is open, what income limits apply, whether they accept vouchers, and what documents are needed. Write down the date, person you spoke with, and next step.
Utility bill and weatherization help
Utility help can make housing more stable. The Delaware Energy Assistance Program, also called DEAP or LIHEAP, helps eligible households with energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. Delaware says LIHEAP is supplemental and not meant to cover all heating costs.
Catholic Charities handles Delaware LIHEAP applications. The Catholic Charities heating page says the 2025-2026 heating application period runs October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Future seasons may use different dates, so confirm the current application period before you apply. First-time applicants and households with 10 or more people may need to contact a DEAP office for an intake appointment.
Delaware’s Weatherization program can provide energy-saving repairs and improvements for eligible renters and homeowners. Weatherization may include air sealing, insulation, duct sealing, and other work after a home assessment. Renters can ask whether landlord permission is needed.
If paying for food or child care would help you keep rent current, also check our SNAP guide, Medicaid guide, and child care guide.
Homeowner, repair, and rural housing help
If you already own a home, ask about repair and mortgage counseling before the problem becomes a housing loss. USDA Rural Development has programs that may help eligible rural households. The USDA 502 Direct Loan program helps low- and very-low-income applicants buy safe housing in eligible rural areas. USDA says the current direct loan interest rate effective May 1, 2026 is 5.00%, and payment assistance can reduce the mortgage payment for a time.
The USDA 504 repair program can help very-low-income homeowners repair, improve, or modernize homes. Grants are only for homeowners age 62 or older and must be used to remove health and safety hazards. This will not fit every single mother, but it can matter if you care for an older parent or live in a multigenerational household.
For homebuyer grants and similar claims, be careful. Real help is usually a mortgage product, down payment assistance, housing counseling, tax credit property, or repair program with rules. Our real grants guide explains the difference.
Documents and information to gather
You do not need every document before making an emergency call. But gathering papers now can prevent delays later.
| Document | Why it may be needed | Helpful note |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Identity check for adults | Ask what to do if ID was lost or stolen. |
| Birth certificates | Proves household members and ages | School or medical records may help until replacements arrive. |
| Social Security numbers | Often needed for federal housing programs | Ask about rules for mixed-status households if needed. |
| Lease or rent ledger | Shows rent amount and arrears | Ask your landlord for a written balance. |
| Eviction papers | Shows deadlines and court case number | Send copies to legal aid as soon as possible. |
| Pay stubs or benefits letters | Shows income and eligibility | Include child support, TANF, SSI, unemployment, and work income. |
| Utility bills | Needed for LIHEAP or shutoff help | Keep the most recent bill and shutoff notice. |
Regional starting points
Delaware is small, but your housing authority and local options can still vary by city or county.
| Area | Common first steps | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | Check the statewide hub, New Castle County Housing Authority, DelawareHousingSearch.org, and legal aid. | Voucher waitlist status, code issues, eviction help, and deposit resources. |
| Wilmington | Check Wilmington Housing Authority options, legal aid, 2-1-1, and city code contacts if housing is unsafe. | Public housing, voucher rules, shelter referrals, and repair complaints. |
| Kent County | Check DSHA, Dover Housing Authority, Centralized Intake, and Catholic Charities DEAP. | Public housing, HCV openings, LIHEAP, and emergency assistance. |
| Sussex County | Check DSHA, Centralized Intake, DelawareHousingSearch.org, USDA rural programs, and local nonprofits. | Rural rentals, transportation barriers, repair help, and energy assistance. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for one program only. Apply for more than one open waitlist or property when you can.
- Missing housing authority mail. Update your address, phone, and email right away.
- Skipping court. If you have an eviction hearing, missing it can make things worse.
- Paying for voucher help. Real housing authorities do not sell vouchers or waitlist spots.
- Assuming an old rent program is open. HSP has closed to new applications, so confirm current funding before planning around it.
- Withholding rent without advice. If repairs are serious, talk to legal aid before taking steps that could risk eviction.
Backup options while you wait
Housing waitlists can be long. While you wait, reduce the pressure on rent by using other benefits you may qualify for. Food help, child care help, Medicaid, WIC, child support services, tax credits, and utility aid can free up money for housing. If child support is part of your budget, our Delaware child support guide explains where to start.
Ask schools, pediatric clinics, churches, community centers, and county offices about local help, but do not share sensitive documents with anyone unless you know the agency is real. If a program asks for fees, gift cards, or bank passwords, stop and verify it through 2-1-1 or the official agency.
Phone scripts
Calling Centralized Intake
“Hi, my name is ____. I am in Delaware with my child or children. We are homeless or may lose our place on ____. Can you screen us for shelter, rapid rehousing, and any family housing referrals? My safest callback number is ____.”
Calling legal aid about eviction
“Hi, I received eviction papers or a notice from my landlord. My court date is ____ if listed. I am a single mother with ____ children. Can I start an eviction defense intake today? What documents should I send first?”
Calling a housing authority
“Hi, I applied or want to apply for housing help. Can you tell me which waiting lists are open, how to update my application, and how you contact applicants when they are selected?”
Calling about LIHEAP
“Hi, I need help with my energy bill. My county is ____. Is the LIHEAP or crisis program open right now? What documents do I need, and do first-time applicants need an appointment?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita refugio o ayuda por falta de vivienda en Delaware, llame o mande texto al 1-833-346-3233, o llame al 2-1-1. Si recibió papeles de desalojo, pida ayuda legal de inmediato y no falte a la corte. Para ayuda de renta a largo plazo, use el portal estatal de vivienda y mantenga su solicitud actualizada. Para ayuda con luz, gas o calefacción, pregunte por DEAP o LIHEAP. Si hay violencia o peligro en casa, llame a una línea de violencia doméstica desde un teléfono seguro si puede.
FAQ
Is Delaware’s Housing Stability Program still open?
No. DSHA says the Housing Stability Program application portal closed May 7, 2026. Applications already submitted may still be processed until funds are spent, but new applications are not being accepted.
Where do I apply for Section 8 in Delaware?
Start with Delaware’s Affordable Housing Hub. The five participating public housing authorities use the centralized system for many Housing Choice Voucher and public housing applications. You should also check local housing authority pages for updates.
Can 2-1-1 place my family in shelter?
Delaware 211 can connect you to Centralized Intake and other resources. Centralized Intake screens for shelter openings and homeless housing referrals, but a call does not guarantee that a bed or program slot is available the same day.
Can I get help if I am working?
Possibly. Many housing programs use household income, family size, county, rent burden, and program rules. Working does not automatically disqualify you, but each program has its own limits.
What if my landlord will not make repairs?
Put repair requests in writing and keep copies. If the problem is serious, contact legal aid before withholding rent or filing a complaint. Some code actions can affect whether the home can be occupied.
What should I do if I am denied or ignored?
Ask for the denial in writing, save all notices, and ask about appeal deadlines. For eviction, voucher loss, discrimination, or unsafe housing, contact legal aid quickly. For benefits or emergency assistance, ask the agency what proof is missing and when you can reapply.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.