Community Resources

Food Assistance

Programs like Meals on Wheels, Delaware 2-1-1, and General Assistance continue to operate.

Meals on Wheels

Continues to serve hot, nutritious meals to vulnerable Delawareans.

Delaware 2-1-1

United Way’s Delaware 2-1-1 hotline and website provides links to critical services, including food needs
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or dial 1-800-560-3372; text your Zip code to 898-211

Division of Social Services

Food Supplement Program (SNAP) – Apply online for Delaware’s Food Supplement Program using the DHSS Assist website. Learn more on the Division of Social Services’ website.
Contact: 1-866-843-7212

Child Meal Programs

Find local meal sites throughout the state, offering meals for children.

Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

Housing

Resources for Homeowners

If you are having difficulty making a mortgage payment, you are encouraged to be proactive and reach out to your mortgage servicer for assistance and guidance as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask if they can provide information on relief options that may be available to you.

For additional information on assistance for homeowners during this time, visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/.

Resources for Renters

Due to overwhelming response, Delaware State Housing Authority is temporarily pausing application submissions for the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP) as of April 24, 2020. Renters who are having difficulty paying their rent due to the COVID-19 crisis, should contact Delaware 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.delaware211.org.

Effective March 25, Governor John Carney placed a moratorium on evictions, late fees and utility shutoffs until the State of Emergency is lifted. However, the moratorium does not relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent, and any tenants who know they will not be able to pay their rent need to be in contact with their landlord as soon as possible to discuss their options.

Tenants who are being threatened with eviction by their landlords during the pandemic should contact the Delaware Legal Help Link at https://delegalhelplink.org/ or the Delaware Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) at http://www.declasi.org/ for assistance.

Governor Carney’s sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration:

Prevents landlords from evicting Delawareans from their homes during this crisis.
Prevents landlords from charging late fees or interest during the State of Emergency.
Prevents lenders from commencing foreclosures during this period. Residential mortgage foreclosures that began prior to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration will not move forward until the 31st day following the termination of the Governor’s emergency declaration, at the earliest.
Prevents residential utility service companies from terminating service or charging fees for late payments for services.

Volunteer and Donate

United Way of Delaware

United Way has launched a host of initiatives to help those in need:

United Way Volunteer Portal: Helps coordinate outreach and resources to those in need. Also find volunteer opportunities such as food distribution

Delaware Does More: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund: Raising funds to address immediate needs

Delaware 2-1-1: Provides links to critical services, from housing and shelter information to transportation resources. Contact: 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372; text your Zip code to 898-211

Blood Donations

Whole blood, plasma and double red cell donations are critical right now. To help:

Blood Bank of Delaware

Social distancing and other precautions are being taken to ensure donor, staff and volunteer safety. If you are healthy and able to donate, make an appointment online.

American Red Cross of Delmarva

Daily blood drive from 1-7 p.m. at Brandywine Town Center Community Building, 4050 Brandywine Parkway, Wilmington. Social distancing and other precautions are being taken to ensure donor, staff and volunteer safety. If you are healthy and able to donate, make an appointment online (use sponsor code “Brandywine”).

Medical Volunteers

Delaware Medical Reserve Corps

All medical personnel — including out-of-state, retired, or inactive — who wish to volunteer to assist Delaware’s response to COVID-19 should sign up through the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC). Go to the ServDE link – which is the State’s emergency response database-and create a profile. You will be contacted by a DMRC representative. Providing complete contact and license information will expedite verifying your credentials. Questions can be directed to dmrc@delaware.gov.

Unemployment Benefits

Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance

Delawareans can file for unemployment benefits online.
For questions contact: uiclaims@delaware.gov or 302-761-8446

Funerals

During this unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, funeral establishments must comply with Governor Carney’s emergency declaration, as well as all guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health. Funeral establishments are required to:

Follow routine infection prevention, especially when coming into contact with a decedent with confirmed or suspected COVID-19;
Practice use of standard precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE);
Perform routine environmental cleaning;
Prohibit gatherings of ten (10) or more people, under the State of Emergency, until May 15, 2020 or the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated (this includes the officiant and any other non-family members present during memorial services); and,
Advise funeral attendees of CDC guidance, such as encouraging those who are ill, and or at-risk (i.e. elderly and those who are immune-compromised), to stay home and following healthy habits such as social distancing, hand hygiene, covering cough and sneezes, etc.
In addition, the following guidance should be used to respectfully and compassionately care for the decedents during this distressing time:
- - COVID-19 Guidance on Management of the Deceased (April 13, 2020)

Houses of Worship

Guidance for Houses of Worship (Updated 6/14/20)

- Guía para Templos Religiosos (6/14/20)
- Oryantasyon Pou Plas Adorasyon Yo (6/14/20)

Guidance Singing, Vocalization, and Yelling (June 18, 2020)

Grocery Stores

Many have special shopping hours for seniors and other vulnerable populations and/or have adjusted their store hours. More information available at the Delaware Food Industry Council’s website.

Grocery stores with adjusted hours and dedicated shopping for elderly or those who are immunocompromised:

ACME

Special: 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday-Friday for elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons
Adjusted: Individual stores may have changed overall hours

Aldi

Special: No senior shopping hours
Adjusted: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning stores
Note: Individual stores may have more limited hours or be closed entirely

BJ’s

Special: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. daily senior shopping

Costco

Special: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for senior shopping

Food Lion

Special: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday for senior shopping
Adjusted: Individual stores may alter hours

The Fresh Market

Special: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday-Friday for senior and vulnerable populations

Giant

Special: 6-7 a.m. for senior shopping

Janssen’s Market

Special: Seniors, first responders, vulnerable groups and caregivers can call 302-654-9941 to place orders and it will be delivered to you curbside

Lidl

Adjusted: Hours are 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning

Produce Junction

Phone orders: Call 302-674-3080 at 7 a.m. and place an order to pick up

Redner’s

Adjusted: Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning

Safeway

Special: 7 a.m.- 9.am. Monday-Friday for elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons
Adjusted: Individual stores may alter overall hours

Shop Rite

Special: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. daily senior shopping
Adjusted: Shop at home delivery service; curbside pick-up

Target

Special: First hour each Wednesday for seniors and vulnerable populations
Adjusted: Closing by 9 p.m. daily (or earlier for certain stores) to allow for restocking and cleaning

Walmart

Adjusted: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. hours for 24-hour stores to allow for cleaning and restocking

Weis Markets

Special: No senior shopping hour
Adjusted: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. new store hours
Note: Discontinued online ordering with curbside pick-up

Zingo’s Supermarket

Special: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. daily for senior shopping

Share this video on grocery store special hours for vulnerable people (updated March 20, 2020)

Other Services

Recreational Camps

This document provides guidance for Recreational Camps that would like to open. The document is Reopening Phase for Recreational Camps COVID-19 Guidance.

Internet Options

Comcast has increased access to Internet Essentials. Read more about the initiative and qualifications here. To sign up visit the Internet Essentials website or call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

For Nonprofits

The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement has resources for nonprofits on their website.

Personal Finance

Find tips for Personal and Business Finance from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

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