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housing assistance in delaware

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Delaware

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Delaware

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

  • Emergency housing help is available through Delaware’s 2-1-1 and Housing Alliance Centralized Intake at 1-833-346-3233
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting lists opened February 2025 and fill quickly
  • Housing Stability Program provides up to $1,800 monthly for 3 months to prevent evictions (limited funding)
  • USDA rural home loans offer 5.125% interest rates with no down payment for eligible areas
  • LIHEAP utility assistance helps with heating and cooling bills through Catholic Charities
  • Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 50% of area median income
  • Delaware has a severe housing shortage – apply to multiple programs immediately

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately or 1-833-346-3233 (Housing Alliance Centralized Intake) for emergency assistance.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact Catholic Charities at (302) 654-9295 for LIHEAP assistance.

Need rent help now? Apply through Housing Stability Program partners – funding is extremely limited.

In danger? Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence: New Castle County: (302) 762-6110 | Kent & Sussex: (302) 422-8058 | National Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

Housing Alliance Delaware Centralized Intake

Delaware uses a centralized system for all emergency housing assistance. Any person or family who is homeless and in need of assistance should call 2-1-1 and you will be connected to Housing Alliance Centralized Intake, or call directly at 1-833-346-3233 to be referred to appropriate services.

What it covers:

  • Emergency shelter referrals (up to 30 days)
  • Transitional housing placement
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Case management services
  • Connections to financial assistance

How it works: Centralized Intake (CI) is the process Delaware coordinates access to emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing for households experiencing homelessness in Delaware.

Contact methods:

  • Phone: 1-833-346-3233 (1-833-FIND-BED)
  • Email: intake@housingalliancede.org
  • Text: 1-833-346-3233
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Reality check: The recent report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (2023) highlights that Delaware has less housing stock than the national average, and this burden disproportionately falls on extremely low-income households. Emergency shelter beds are extremely limited in Delaware.

Housing Stability Program (HSP)

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has awarded over $5,000,000 in Housing Stability Program (HSP) grants to eight community partner organizations throughout the state. HSP’s mission is twofold: to prevent imminent evictions by offering emergency rental assistance to households facing court dates, and to secure new housing opportunities by covering security deposits and initial rent payments.

Financial assistance:

  • Up to $1,800 per month for maximum of 3 months
  • Covers rental arrears, late fees, and security deposits
  • Funding available August 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025

Eligibility requirements:

  • Delinquent in rent payments with court-scheduled eviction hearing
  • Have NOT received Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DEHAP) help in past 18 months
  • Meet income limit requirements

HSP Partner Organizations:

  • Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League
  • NeighborGood Partners
  • New Castle County Department of Housing
  • Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware
  • First State Community Action Agency
  • Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware

How to apply: Email HSP@Delaware.gov or call 2-1-1

Reality check: This is emergency funding only with strict eligibility rules. Funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served.

Delaware 2-1-1 Services

Delaware 211 connects individuals and families to health and human services in Delaware – for everyday needs and in crisis situations.

Available help:

  • Emergency rental assistance referrals
  • Utility assistance connections
  • Food pantry locations
  • Emergency shelter information
  • Transportation assistance

Contact: Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit delaware211.org

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Effective February 3, 2025, DSHA’s Waiting List is open. Go to Delaware.AffordableHousing.com to apply. The Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families pay rent in the private market.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025 and Delaware State Housing Authority

Family Size Very Low Income (50% AMI) Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person $34,150 $20,490
2 people $39,050 $23,430
3 people $43,900 $26,340
4 people $48,750 $29,250

Note: Income limits vary by county. For example, in New Castle County, a family of four must earn $48,000 or less in 2025 to qualify. These are statewide averages – check with your local housing authority for exact figures.

Moving to Work (MTW) Program: Most residents, with the exception of the elderly and disabled, are eligible to receive subsidies under these programs for a maximum of seven years while they take part in a mandatory self-sufficiency program.

Important details:

  • 7-year time limit for most families (with possible hardship extensions)
  • Rent capped at maximum 35% of income or $120, whichever is greater
  • Must sign Contract of Mutual Participation with goals

Application process:

  1. Apply online at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com
  2. Complete eligibility screening
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards
  4. Wait for voucher availability (varies by county)
  5. Attend voucher briefing if selected
  6. Find qualifying rental unit within time limit
  7. Pass housing quality standards inspection

Reality check: Due to high demand, applications will be placed on a waiting list. Please note that PHAs may open and close their application periods at different times. Delaware’s waiting lists open and close unpredictably. When open, they often fill within weeks.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
New Castle Co. $1,048 $1,298 $1,601 $1,918
Kent County $891 $1,107 $1,365 $1,635
Sussex County $974 $1,210 $1,492 $1,787
Wilmington $1,048 $1,298 $1,601 $1,918

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Local Housing Authorities

Other Public Housing Authorities in Delaware – please contact for their individual waiting list policies and applications:

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

Dover Housing Authority

  • Serves City of Dover
  • Phone: (302) 678-1965

New Castle County Department of Community Services

  • Serves New Castle County (outside Wilmington and Newark)
  • Phone: (302) 395-5600

Newark Housing Authority

  • Serves City of Newark
  • Phone: (302) 366-0826

Wilmington Housing Authority

  • Serves City of Wilmington
  • Phone: (302) 429-6700

Public Housing

Low-income families, people with disabilities and elderly persons whose incomes do not exceed 50% of median income (in some cases, 80%), are eligible to reside in site-based subsidized complexes. Normally, resident families pay 30% of their adjusted gross income to rent a unit.

Pros:

  • Fixed location with on-site management
  • Rent based on 30% of income
  • Some properties offer support services
  • May include utilities

Cons:

  • Limited unit availability
  • Specific locations only
  • Long waiting lists
  • Less neighborhood choice

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program provides a path to homeownership for low- and very-low-income families living in rural areas, and families who truly have no other way to make affordable homeownership a reality.

Current rates (effective August 1, 2025): 5.125% for low-income and very low-income borrowers. Interest rate when modified by payment assistance, can be as low as 1%

Loan terms: Up to 33 year payback period – 38 year payback period for very low income applicants who can’t afford the 33 year loan term

No down payment: No down payment is typically required. Applicants with assets higher than the asset limits may be required to use a portion of those assets.

Delaware USDA Rural Development Office: Phone: (302) 857-3580 Website: rd.usda.gov

Eligible areas: Check eligibility at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

For very low-income rural homeowners:

  • Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years
  • Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old)
  • Combined assistance: Up to $50,000 total

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

DEAP, also known as LIHEAP, offers supports to eligible households. Income eligibility is defined as 60% of Delaware State Median Income (SMI). For example, a family of three earning up to $5,080 a month may qualify for DEAP.

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Source: Delaware Energy Assistance Program 2025

Household Size Maximum Monthly Income
1 person $3,277
2 people $4,288
3 people $5,300
4 people $6,313
5 people $7,325

Application periods:

  • Winter assistance: October 1 – April 30
  • Summer assistance: July 1 – September 30

How to apply: As DEAP is administered by Catholic Charities, Inc., applicants should call their local office to find out where and how to apply for assistance.

Catholic Charities LIHEAP Offices:

New Castle County:

  • Phone: (302) 654-9295
  • Address: 2601 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Kent County:

  • Phone: (302) 674-1782
  • Address: 1200 Governors Ave, Dover, DE 19904

Sussex County:

  • Phone: (302) 856-6310
  • Address: 1424 Meadowbrook Dr, Dover, DE 19901

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for utility account holder
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills
  • Proof of income for all household members 18+

Emergency Utility Assistance

Contact your local Community Action Agencies for emergency utility help:

Delaware Community Action Agencies:

  • First State Community Action Agency
  • Contact through 2-1-1 for referrals

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Family Promise Delaware

Family Promise Delaware provides rapid-rehousing assistance. In Delaware there are simply not enough emergency shelter beds to shelter every family in need on any given night. We provide intensive case management and financial assistance to families so they can secure housing.

Services:

  • Emergency shelter assistance
  • Rapid rehousing program
  • Case management and support services
  • Employment connections
  • Financial coaching

Contact: Visit familypromisede.org

YWCA Delaware Community Housing

YWCA Delaware’s “SCHE” (Safe, Compassion, Heal, Empower) Joint Transitional Housing and Rapid Re-Housing program offers survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence with personalized service plans and resources to achieve housing stability.

Services include:

  • Transitional housing for survivors
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Case management and support services
  • Job training programs
  • Financial coaching

Contact: Visit ywcade.org

Domestic Violence Housing

Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24/7 Hotlines:

  • New Castle County: (302) 762-6110
  • Kent & Sussex Counties: (302) 422-8058
  • Kent & Sussex Bilingual: (302) 745-9874
  • National Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Housing protections for survivors: Delaware law has a provision within the Landlord-Tenant Code that allows survivors to terminate leases and move to safety without incurring the full cost of the remaining months of their leases. Some specific timeframes and requirements need to be followed, including a 30-day written notice and verification of the abuse.

Legal assistance: Legal services are available to victims/survivors in Delaware through Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS), and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, Inc.

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While Delaware has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, resources include:

Local support:

  • Equality Delaware: Advocacy and resource referrals
  • Contact 2-1-1 and specifically request LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
  • PFLAG Delaware: Community support and resources

National resources:

  • National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information
  • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources

Legal protections: Delaware’s Fair Housing Act includes sexual orientation and gender identity protections.

Tribal-Specific Resources

Delaware does not have federally recognized tribes currently, but Native American families may access:

Federal programs:

  • HUD Indian Housing Programs: Available to enrolled tribal members nationwide
  • Contact HUD’s Office of Native American Programs: (800) 955-2232

Historical recognition: Delaware recognizes the Lenape (Delaware) Nation’s historical presence. Contact Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs for cultural resources.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Delaware’s rural areas (primarily southern Kent and Sussex Counties) face unique challenges:

Specialized resources:

  • USDA Rural Development programs (detailed above)
  • Limited public transportation – contact Sussex County Community Transportation
  • Mobile service delivery through some agencies
  • Telehealth services available

Transportation assistance:

  • Delaware Transit Corporation: (302) 652-3278
  • Some agencies provide gas cards for essential appointments
  • Volunteer driver programs through faith communities

Single Fathers

Single fathers can access all programs described in this guide:

Additional resources:

  • Delaware Fatherhood and Family Coalition
  • National At-Home Dad Network: Online support
  • Contact 2-1-1 for father-specific support groups

Resources by Region

New Castle County (Wilmington Metro)

Wilmington Housing Authority

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Public housing
  • Address: 1045 N Franklin St, Wilmington, DE 19806
  • Phone: (302) 429-6700

New Castle County Dept of Community Services

  • Housing Choice Vouchers for county areas
  • Phone: (302) 395-5600

Catholic Charities – New Castle County

  • LIHEAP assistance
  • Emergency services
  • Phone: (302) 654-9295

Kent County (Dover Area)

Dover Housing Authority

  • Public housing and vouchers for Dover city
  • Phone: (302) 678-1965

Delaware State Housing Authority

  • Serves Kent County outside Dover
  • Phone: (888) 363-8808

Catholic Charities – Kent County

  • LIHEAP and emergency assistance
  • Phone: (302) 674-1782

Sussex County (Beach/Rural Areas)

Delaware State Housing Authority

  • Primary housing authority for Sussex County
  • Phone: (888) 363-8808

Catholic Charities – Sussex County

  • Energy assistance programs
  • Phone: (302) 856-6310

First State Community Action Agency

  • Multiple service programs
  • Contact through 2-1-1

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in Delaware?

Effective February 3, 2025, DSHA’s Waiting List is open, but waiting times vary significantly:

  • New Castle County: 18-36 months (Wilmington area)
  • Kent County: 12-24 months
  • Sussex County: 6-18 months
  • Overall average: 12-30 months

Priority is given to homeless families, those with disabilities, and families paying over 50% of income for rent. Due to high demand, applications will be placed on a waiting list. Please note that PHAs may open and close their application periods at different times.

Can I get help if I’m working full-time?

Yes! To qualify for Section 8, applicants must meet specific criteria: Income Limits: Household income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). A single mother with two children can typically earn up to about $43,900 annually and still qualify for assistance.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

Delaware does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse vouchers. However:

  • Contact your housing authority for lists of participating landlords
  • Use DelawareHousingSearch.org to find accepting properties
  • Some housing authorities offer landlord incentives

What happened to DEHAP (Delaware Housing Assistance Program)?

The Delaware State Housing Authority will no longer accept new applications to the Delaware Housing Assisting Program (DEHAP) at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023. The program exhausted its federal emergency rental assistance funding. This is why current emergency assistance is so limited.

Can I combine different assistance programs?

Yes, you can often stack programs. For example, you might receive:

  • Section 8 voucher for rent
  • LIHEAP for utilities
  • SNAP for food
  • Medicaid for healthcare

Each program has separate eligibility requirements.

What if I have bad credit or an eviction?

Many emergency programs don’t check credit. For Section 8, housing authorities may consider past issues but often allow explanations. Delaware law has protections for domestic violence survivors to break leases without penalty.

How do I prove income if I work multiple part-time jobs?

Keep detailed records of all work. Get pay stubs or written statements from all employers. Your housing counselor can help document irregular income properly.

What if I’m undocumented?

Most federal housing programs require legal status, but:

  • Emergency assistance through community organizations may be available
  • Some local programs help regardless of status
  • Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on available resources

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Delaware from another state?

Yes, through the “portability” process. Contact your current housing authority before moving to begin the transfer. You must be in good standing with your current program.

What if my income increases after getting assistance?

Programs conduct annual income reviews. If you earn too much:

  • You may have a phase-out period
  • Some programs help with transition planning
  • This is actually progress toward self-sufficiency

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Delaware’s Housing Crisis Reality

Delaware’s lack of affordable housing has become a public health crisis. The recent report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (2023) highlights that Delaware has less housing stock than the national average, and this burden disproportionately falls on extremely low-income households.

Key facts:

  • The number of people experiencing homelessness had doubled since 2019, but this increase was not the same among all groups. While homelessness among adults-only households doubled between 2019 and 2022, it tripled amongst families with children.
  • Delaware has one of the highest housing costs relative to income on the East Coast
  • Emergency rental assistance funding has been largely exhausted

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common:

  • Never pay application fees for Section 8 or public housing – government programs are free
  • Be wary of “guaranteed” housing assistance or promises to move you to the front of waiting lists
  • Don’t send money before viewing a rental property

Fake emergency assistance:

  • Legitimate programs don’t require upfront fees
  • Be suspicious of phone calls asking for Social Security numbers or bank information
  • Always verify programs through official websites or 2-1-1

Common Challenges

Extremely limited funding: DEHAP rental assistance funding was exhausted and closed to new applications in January 2023. Current emergency assistance is severely limited.

Documentation requirements: Missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays. Gather all documents before applying.

Transportation barriers: Limited public transit in rural areas. Plan for multiple trips to offices.

Childcare needs: Some appointments don’t allow children. Ask about assistance or virtual options.

Tips for Success

Apply everywhere immediately: Delaware’s housing shortage means you need multiple applications pending.

Don’t wait for one program: Apply to all relevant programs simultaneously.

Keep organized records: Maintain copies of all applications and correspondence.

Get help navigating: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance.

Consider surrounding areas: Look beyond Delaware borders – Philadelphia and Baltimore metro areas may have more options.

Be persistent: Follow up regularly on applications and check waiting list status frequently.

Additional Resources

Delaware State Agencies

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

Delaware State Housing Authority

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

  • General housing information
  • Phone: (800) 569-4287
  • Website: hud.gov

USDA Rural Development Delaware

  • Rural housing programs
  • Phone: (302) 857-3580
  • Website: rd.usda.gov

Legal Aid

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)

  • Free legal help for housing issues
  • Eviction defense and tenant rights
  • Wilmington: (302) 575-0660
  • Dover: (302) 674-8500
  • Georgetown: (302) 856-0038
  • Website: clasi.org

Delaware Volunteer Legal Services

  • Pro bono legal assistance
  • Phone: (302) 478-8850
  • Website: dvls.org

Legal Services Corporation of Delaware

  • Housing and consumer law assistance
  • Wilmington: (302) 575-0400
  • Dover: (302) 328-7144
  • Website: lscd.com

Financial Counseling

Delaware Financial Literacy Institute

  • Free financial counseling and education
  • Credit repair assistance
  • Homebuyer education programs

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Delaware:

  • Contact (800) 569-4287 for referrals to certified counselors

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Delaware guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Delaware State Housing Authority, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Sources consulted for this guide:

  • Delaware State Housing Authority official data (August 2025)
  • HUD Income Limits and Fair Market Rents (2025)
  • Housing Alliance Delaware program information
  • Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence resources
  • Catholic Charities Delaware LIHEAP program details
  • Community Legal Aid Society housing law information

Information compiled from official Delaware state agencies, USDA, HUD, and HHS sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change rapidly. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying.

Important note: Delaware faces a severe housing shortage and many assistance programs have extremely limited funding or long waiting lists. Multiple applications and persistent follow-up are essential. Emergency assistance funding is particularly limited since the closure of DEHAP in January 2023.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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