If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in Delaware tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. Delaware may be the nation’s smallest state, but it has a well-organized network of government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency assistance programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every Delaware-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Delaware — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in Delaware through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), local Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Delaware?
Several organizations in Delaware can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) — Delaware’s primary social services agency manages emergency assistance programs that can cover short-term motel stays for eligible individuals and families. Contact your local Division of Social Services office or visit dhss.delaware.gov.
Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) — DSHA manages Delaware’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit destatehousing.com.
Delaware 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific county or city. Delaware’s 211 system covers all three counties.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Delaware has Community Action Agencies serving all three counties. These federally funded organizations are among the most reliable providers of emergency hotel and motel vouchers.
Salvation Army Delaware — The Salvation Army operates locations in Wilmington, Dover, and other communities and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Wilmington — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, serving all of Delaware.
American Red Cross Delaware — If your housing crisis results from a fire, flood, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost.
Local churches and faith-based organizations — Many Delaware churches maintain emergency funds specifically for hotel and motel vouchers, particularly in smaller communities in Kent and Sussex counties.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in Delaware?
Eligibility varies by program, but most Delaware hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — prioritized by most Delaware programs
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — most Delaware programs fast-track DV cases
- Veterans experiencing homelessness
- Disaster survivors displaced by storms or coastal flooding
- Individuals exposed to Delaware’s cold winters or summer heat and humidity
Delaware’s location along the Atlantic Coast means it is occasionally impacted by hurricanes and coastal flooding, making disaster-related displacement a real concern. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in Delaware, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Delaware (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in Delaware.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your county.
Step 2: Contact Delaware DHSS Division of Social Services
The Delaware Division of Social Services has offices in all three counties and manages emergency assistance programs including temporary motel stays for qualifying individuals and families. DHSS also administers TANF emergency funds that can be used for hotel vouchers for eligible families with children.
Contact: dhss.delaware.gov | 302-255-9550
Step 3: Contact the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
DSHA funds emergency shelter and housing programs across Delaware and can connect you with ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your county.
Contact: destatehousing.com | 302-739-4263
Step 4: Reach Out to a Community Action Agency
Delaware’s Community Action Agencies serve all three counties and often have emergency motel voucher funds available same-day. Key agencies include:
- Community Action Agency of New Castle County — Wilmington and New Castle County
- Kent County Community Action Agency — Dover and Kent County
- First State Community Action Agency — Kent and Sussex counties | 302-856-7761
Call 211 for the Community Action Agency serving your specific county.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has locations in Delaware and can often provide same-day emergency motel vouchers. Call your nearest branch:
- Wilmington: 302-472-0750
- Dover: 302-674-4101
- Seaford (Sussex County): 302-629-4464
Step 6: Contact Catholic Charities Diocese of Wilmington
Catholic Charities provides emergency housing assistance to anyone in need regardless of faith. They serve all of Delaware.
Contact: 302-655-9624 | cdow.org/catholic-charities
Delaware Government Programs for Emergency Housing
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) — Emergency Assistance
DHSS administers Delaware’s TANF program and General Assistance (GA) program, both of which can cover emergency housing costs including temporary motel stays for qualifying individuals and families. DHSS also administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Delaware, which frees up income for housing.
Contact: dhss.delaware.gov | 302-255-9550
Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
DSHA manages Delaware’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are the primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide.
Contact: destatehousing.com | 302-739-4263
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — Delaware
Delaware receives federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through DSHA to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: DSHA at destatehousing.com
HUD Continuum of Care — Delaware CoC
Delaware operates a statewide Continuum of Care that coordinates homeless services across all three counties. The Delaware CoC is led by the Delaware Coalition for the Homeless and can connect you with emergency hotel vouchers, rapid re-housing, and transitional housing.
Contact: Delaware Coalition for the Homeless | 302-652-3991 | delawarehomeless.org
Delaware Emergency Housing Voucher Program
Through HUD’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, Delaware has received vouchers specifically for people experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or at risk of homelessness. Contact DSHA or your local housing authority to ask about EHV availability.
Contact: DSHA at destatehousing.com
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
If you’ve been displaced by a presidentially declared disaster in Delaware — such as a hurricane or coastal flood — FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a participating hotel or motel at no cost.
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — Delaware
Homeless Delaware veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged.
Delaware VA Locations:
- Wilmington VA Medical Center: 302-994-2511
- Dover VA Clinic: 302-677-6520
- Georgetown VA Clinic (Sussex County): 302-854-6030
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Delaware
Delaware Coalition for the Homeless
The Delaware Coalition for the Homeless leads the statewide CoC and coordinates emergency housing resources across all three counties. They can connect you with hotel voucher programs and other emergency housing assistance.
Contact: 302-652-3991 | delawarehomeless.org
Ministry of Caring — Wilmington
The Ministry of Caring operates multiple homeless shelters in Wilmington including the House of Joseph I and II and the Brother Ronald Giannone Ozanam Inn. They provide emergency shelter and can connect individuals with hotel voucher programs when shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: 302-652-5523 | ministryofcaring.org
Salvation Army Delaware
With locations in Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford, the Salvation Army is one of Delaware’s most consistent providers of emergency motel vouchers.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Charities Diocese of Wilmington
Serves anyone in need regardless of faith. Provides emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals across all of Delaware.
Contact: 302-655-9624 | cdow.org/catholic-charities
YWCA Delaware — Wilmington
YWCA Delaware provides emergency housing and shelter specifically for women and families fleeing domestic violence in the Wilmington area and can connect DV survivors with hotel voucher assistance.
Contact: 302-658-8161 | ywcade.org
West End Neighborhood House — Wilmington
West End Neighborhood House provides emergency assistance and social services in Wilmington, including connections to hotel voucher programs for families and individuals in crisis.
Contact: 302-655-9855 | wenh.org
Emmanuel Dining Room — Wilmington
Emmanuel Dining Room provides meals and emergency assistance in Wilmington and can connect individuals with hotel voucher resources and shelter programs.
Contact: 302-652-1136 | emmanueldiningroom.org
First State Community Action Agency
First State Community Action serves Kent and Sussex counties with emergency assistance programs including connections to hotel voucher funding for residents in need.
Contact: 302-856-7761 | firststateaction.org
American Red Cross — Delaware
The Red Cross assists people displaced by storms, coastal flooding, and other disasters in Delaware. If your homelessness stems from a disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City in Delaware
Wilmington / New Castle County
Wilmington has Delaware’s largest concentration of homeless services. Key resources include:
- Wilmington 211: Dial 211
- Delaware Coalition for the Homeless: 302-652-3991
- Ministry of Caring: 302-652-5523
- Salvation Army Wilmington: 302-472-0750
- Catholic Charities Wilmington: 302-655-9624
- YWCA Delaware: 302-658-8161
- West End Neighborhood House: 302-655-9855
- Emmanuel Dining Room: 302-652-1136
- Community Action Agency New Castle County: 302-834-4303
- Delaware DHSS Wilmington: 302-255-9550
Dover / Kent County
- Dover 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Dover: 302-674-4101
- First State Community Action Kent County: 302-674-1355
- People’s Place II (DV/emergency): 302-422-8058
- Kent County Community Action: 302-678-5885
- Delaware DHSS Dover: 302-739-5433
Georgetown / Sussex County
- Georgetown 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Seaford: 302-629-4464
- First State Community Action Sussex: 302-856-7761
- Sussex Countians in Action: 302-856-3457
- DVCC (DV/emergency housing): 302-422-8058
- Delaware DHSS Georgetown: 302-856-5220
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. In Delaware, case managers can connect you with the statewide CoC system and available housing programs across all three counties.
Connect with the Delaware CoC. The Delaware Coalition for the Homeless coordinates housing resources statewide. They can connect you with rapid re-housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing programs. Contact them at 302-652-3991 or dial 211.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in Delaware. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Dial 211 or contact DSHA to find RRH programs available in your county.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact DSHA at destatehousing.com or your local housing authority to apply as early as possible.
Apply for Delaware’s Emergency Rental Assistance. Contact DSHA at destatehousing.com or dial 211 to ask about current rental assistance programs available in your county.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like the Ministry of Caring, the Salvation Army, and First State Community Action offer transitional housing and support services in Delaware.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid (Delaware Medicaid), and TANF at your local DHSS office or at benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in Delaware tonight?
Call 211 right now. Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with emergency hotel voucher programs in your Delaware county. You can also contact the Delaware Coalition for the Homeless at 302-652-3991 or your local Salvation Army directly.
Does Delaware DHSS provide hotel vouchers?
Yes. Delaware DHSS can provide emergency housing assistance including temporary motel stays for qualifying individuals and families, particularly those with children. Contact your local county DHSS office directly to ask about available emergency funds.
Are hotel vouchers available in Sussex County beach communities?
Yes. First State Community Action and Sussex Countians in Action both serve the Georgetown and Sussex County area including the beach communities. Dial 211 for the nearest available program. During the busy summer tourist season, resources can be more stretched — call as early in the day as possible.
Can I get a hotel voucher without an ID in Delaware?
Many programs will still help you without a photo ID. If you’ve lost your ID, ask your caseworker or local DHSS office about Delaware’s emergency identification assistance programs.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Delaware?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or the Wilmington VA Medical Center at 302-994-2511. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Delaware?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or contact YWCA Delaware in Wilmington (302-658-8161) or People’s Place II in Dover and Sussex County (302-422-8058) for immediate safe housing assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for coastal storm or hurricane survivors in Delaware?
Yes. If a hurricane or coastal storm has displaced you, FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a hotel at no cost after a presidentially declared disaster. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. The Red Cross also responds immediately to storm-related housing needs in Delaware.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my area?
If vouchers are unavailable, ask about shelter beds at the Ministry of Caring or local shelters, or contact the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782 for additional guidance.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in Delaware tonight, your first call should be to 211. From there, operators can connect you with the nearest available program — whether that’s a Community Action Agency, the Salvation Army, Delaware DHSS, the Ministry of Caring, or another local organization.
Delaware is a small state with a tightly coordinated network of homeless services. Help is close by. Don’t wait to reach out — that’s exactly what these programs are here for.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Delaware DHSS, Delaware State Housing Authority, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army Delaware
Program availability and funding levels vary by county and change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.