Assistance programs Sussex County Delaware.
Find how to get financial assistance for paying bills, free food, health care and other social services in Sussex County Delaware. There are a number of charities, churches, and government DHS offices that provide free grant money, groceries from pantries or help for paying utility bills, housing, rent and more.
In addition to the financial help, there are case management and long term support services. There are free debt assistance or credit repair organizations as well as legal aid and more. Or learn about free government phone programs, Meals on Wheels, and other support for the elderly or disabled.
Emergency financial assistance, grants, and social services in Sussex County
Catholic Charities, which has its local headquarters in Georgetown but services the entire Sussex County area (phone (302) 856-3414) provides a variety of resources and services to people in need. For example, they offer food and other assistance to Delaware residents who lack transportation to food pantries. Catholic Charities also provides mental health and substance abuse counseling to the uninsured and underinsured, and people who just can’t afford this aid.
In a partnership with the United Way of Delaware, Catholic Charities provides emergency rent assistance to the newly unemployed through a program known as "Delaware Does More." In collaboration with West End Neighborhood House, Catholic Charities also offers an alternative to expensive, high interest rate payday lending. The bottom line is that Catholic Charities works with many local charities and organizations so they can leverage community resources to improve and increase service and resources to people who need help. Several other resources are administered. Read more on Catholic Charities assistance programs.
Lutheran Services is a local charity that works with churches and other agencies in Sussex County Delaware. While their resources are limited, numerous financial assistance programs and basic needs are addressed by the charity organization.
One key focus is on addressing housing needs. Staff work to arrange for either cash assistance or zero interest rate loans to pay for rent or other costs, such as utilities. The homeless may work with a volunteer or staff member on locating and moving into a permanent home or apartment in Delaware. Clients can also learn about assistance to pay a security deposit.
The Salvation Army has locations in Georgetown and Seaford, however social and family services are offered across the county. Whether it is free back to school supplies, meals, food, or Christmas toys (angel Tree), or shopping at the thrift store, help is offered. In some cases there is emergency financial help for some bills, including rent or utilities from Operation Share. There is also adult rehab services, homeless shelters, and other assistance. More on the Salvation Army Sussex County assistance programs.
Other resources from Lutheran Community Services include basic needs, which is free food or clothing, from the Food Bank of Delaware. They also offer home repairs, help with paying heating bills from the Faith Center, furnace tune ups, and much more. Call or stop by the center for details on their assistance programs. Click more on Delaware Lutheran Community Services.
Social services from People Place can help during difficult times. The non-profit partners with other agencies to address housing issues, evictions, and other needs of the Sussex County Delware community. A significant amount of their resources are focused on addressing rent delinquencies, transitional housing programs, and shelter. However People Place offers other services and support as well. Read more on People Place assistance programs.
Community Action Programs for housing, food, medical and more
First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA), which is located at 308 North Railroad Avenue in Georgetown Delaware (phone # (302) 856-7761) is another local non-profit agency that offers a variety of programs. To help people with housing issues, they offer:
- Credit and debt counseling. Click here to find additional credit card debt help programs.
- Pre-purchase homeownership counseling.
- Financial Advice and Budget counseling.
- Mortgage default and foreclosure counseling.
- Reverse mortgage counseling.
- Rental and rental delinquency counseling.
Also call Sussex Community Crisis Housing Services, Inc. at (302) 856-7524. They may be able to refer people to rent assistance and eviction prevention programs, and also focus on providing safe and secure temporary housing to the currently homeless. They also work with low income and currently homeless to facilitate the transition from homelessness to financial and housing independence.
First State has several resources and services for people who are in a short term financial crisis and who need help with bills. Some of the resources available include assistance for the items noted below. Call (302) 856-7761.
- Rent Help and Eviction Prevention
- Emergency Food
- Shelter Placement
- Disconnection/Shut Off Notice for Utilities and Heating Service
- Free Medical Prescriptions and Discounted Drugs. Click here for additional ways to get help with medical bills.
- The contact information is above. Or dial 302-856-7761
Free food assistance and groceries
There are several places to turn to for free food, meals, and nutrition for you and your family. Some of the centers will also offer other aid, such as clothing or diapers. Also, many food pantries can help individuals apply for government assistance such as WIC, SNAP food stamps, summer meals for your school age children, and much more.
Some of the locations to call include First State Community Action Food Closet, which can be reached at (302) 856-7761. The Blessed Givings Emergency Food Program is located in Georgetown Delaware and can be called at (302) 856-3447. Those are just two examples. Several other locations are disbursed throughout Sussex County. Find more free food pantries in Sussex County Delaware.
Foreclosure prevention
A program was created with the goal of preventing foreclosures and keeping Cape Region area families in their homes. The Sussex County Association of Realtors (SCAoR) launched their “Talk Before You Walk Away” foreclosure assistance program. It is being provided by the Housing Opportunity Partner (HOP) committee of the SCAoR. The aim of the program is to reduce the number of new foreclosure filings in Georgetown and Sussex County.
A partnership has been formed with federal, Delaware state and local agencies to bring advice, awareness, and options to the local communities of the many resources that are available for homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments.
They will be increasing education and public awareness, and the program will also help pay for financial counseling and literacy education programs for homeowners. The organizations hopes to help hundreds of families through financial counseling assistance.
The SCAOR is working with the various state programs to reduce foreclosures, including Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Delaware Economic Mortgage Assistance Program, National Council on Agricultural Life and Labor Research Fund Inc, and First State Community Action Agency.
For more information, call 302-855-2300, Ext. 205, or click here for information mortgage assistance. There are also additional foreclosure prevention programs.
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