Delaware emergency rental assistance provided through People’s Place
Delaware tenants who find themselves unable to meet their normal monthly expenses, including rent and utilities, may be able to get help through this local charity.
People’s Place provides Delaware with emergency rental assistance to needy households. Lower income families who have experienced a recent financial crisis may be able to get help with rent and other emergency needs through one of the special programs offered by People’s Place.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Did you or someone in your household serve in the military? Your prior service may qualify you for special benefits not available to the general population.
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program helps Veterans deal with financial emergencies by temporarily providing cash assistance. The aid may be used to cover back rent payments, delinquent utilities at risk of disconnection, or even to put towards the security deposit on a new, more affordable rental home.
To prove your eligibility, simply provide the case manager at People’s Place with a copy of your DD 214. Bring any notices that you have received, including eviction notices or disconnection warnings. A copy of your lease is also helpful, since it spells out your monthly lease obligations and includes information about the rental property as well as your landlord. Any income that you are receiving should be reported to your case manager, and provide documentation to support that income.
Veterans who were honorably discharged and meet the definition of low income household will generally qualify and be approved for emergency rental assistance payments. To request funding, call the SSVF representative in your county:
- Kent County–call 302-422-8033, ext. 172
- New Castle County–call 302-250-5868
- Sussex County–call 302-856-7526
Independent Living
Current and former foster youth up to age 21 may receive housing assistance through People’s Place. Call 302-422-8033, ext. 176.
Domestic Violence Shelters
The Shelter Advocacy Freedom & Empowerment (SAFE) program provides emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence. The program is available to residents of Kent and Sussex Counties. Call 302-422-8058 for information on the intake process.
Emergency and Transitional Housing in Delaware
People’s Place administers emergency and transitional housing programs for families in crisis. There is no income restriction for these programs. Priority is placed on those with the lowest incomes.
People’s Place manages the Whatcoat Social Services program to provide emergency housing needs to Delaware families with no other place to go. They provide two facilities for this purpose:
- Ruth Dorsey Emergency Homeless Shelter–Men and women may stay for up to a month.
- Vera’s Haven Transitional Housing–Get up to 2 years of housing assistance while working on education and job training skills. Ten townhouses are provided for this transitional housing need.
For more information, call the Whatcoat information line at 302-734-0319.
Delaware emergency rental assistance programs are provided for the benefit of the entire community. If your household is in need, find out how People’s Place can help you get back on your feet again. See what support can be provided before you turn to loans.