Help in Delaware
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Delaware, most of them in Wilmington and Dover, plus 19 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (13) and leaving homelessness (13).
Delaware 211
Free, confidential information and referral line for the whole state covering shelter, food, utilities, mental health, substance use, legal help, and transportation. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Independent Living Case Management and Transitional Living Services
State program for youth 14 and older in foster care and young adults who exited care after 18 but are under 21. Provides life skills training, mentoring, tuition help, transitional living support, and needs-based ASSIST stipends; Education and Training Vouchers are available up to age 26.
Life Lines
Case management and housing in Wilmington for youth ages 16–23 who are in or aged out of foster care, unaccompanied youth 18–23, and LGBTQ+ youth. Parenting youth qualify for case management but not Life Lines housing.
Independent Living Program
DFS-contracted independent living preparation, skills training, and case management for current and former Delaware foster youth ages 16–23 in New Castle, lower Kent, and Sussex counties. Young adults 18–23 can self-refer.
Domestic Violence Services
New Castle County's 24-hour multilingual domestic violence hotline and live anonymous chat, with shelter and advocacy for victims and their children. CHILD, Inc. also runs a 24-hour Runaway and Homeless Youth line at 302-762-6373.
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)
Delaware's oldest civil legal aid firm, free to people with low incomes, people with disabilities, adults 60+, and victims of violence and crime. Units handle housing, domestic violence, immigration, public benefits, family, disability, and elder law; no criminal or personal injury cases.
Delaware ASSIST – Apply for Benefits
Delaware's online application and screening tool for Medicaid, SNAP (Food Supplement Program), TANF cash assistance, child care, LIHEAP, WIC, and long-term care. Create an account to apply, check status, report changes, or renew.
Office of Vital Statistics
Issues Delaware birth, death, and marriage certificates at walk-in offices in Newark, Dover, and Georgetown or by mail to the Dover office. Online orders go through VitalChek or GoCertificates for an added fee.
Identification Cards
State ID card for Delaware residents, valid eight years from the next birthday, issued at the Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover, and Georgetown DMV offices. Applicants must present documents from the DMV Required Documentation Table.
National lines that work in Delaware
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.