PROGRAMS
Financial Assistance
2024
utilities
households
people
rent/security deposits
households
people
fines/fees
events
people
vital documents
households
people
bus tickets
we are here
Bridging the Gap
Our Financial Assistance Program supports individuals and families across Delaware who are facing financial challenges that put their housing or employment at risk. We provide assistance with outstanding utility bills, rent, security deposits, and co-pays , outstanding fines and fees, expungement costs as well as help obtaining vital documents such as birth certification, state IDs and Social Security Cards.
Our Financial Assistance Service can be accessed by calling our helpline number:
Each case is carefully reviewed to ensure support will lead to meaningful change, including budgeting guidance and follow-up services like ID assistance and job readiness & resume building.
“I am so grateful to Friendship House. They helped me with my overdue bill. With the increase in Delmarva that caught everyone by surprise this year, I really don’t think I would have been able to get my bill paid. Due to Friendship house I was able to get my bill down to a manageable amount that I was able to pay. They are there if you need help” – Empowerment Center Client
Locations
Wilmington Empowerment Center
720 N Orange St. Wilmington, DE 19801
Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm
Morning Hospitality: Sunday-Friday 7:00am – 8:00am
Contact:
Newark Empowerment Center
300 E Main St. Newark, DE 19711
Hours:
Monday-Friday 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Afternoon Hospitality: Sunday-Friday 1:15pm – 2:00pm
Contact:
MOT Empowerment Center
44 W Main St. Middletown, DE 19709
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30pm – 4:30pm
Morning Hospitality: Monday-Friday 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Contact:
"When I thought I couldn’t keep doing the right thing, they kept telling me over and over and now I finally believe it. I’ve never been supported like that before.”
- Program Participant
Fines and Fees Fund
For many individuals living in poverty, unpaid court fines and fees can lead to a downward spiral—triggering warrants, limiting job opportunities, and in some cases, contributing to houselessness. Friendship House, in partnership with the Campaign to End Debtor’s Prison (CEDP), has launched a dedicated fund to help individuals pay off or reduce these financial burdens. By covering full fines or providing partial payments to initiate court-approved payment plans, we help remove a major barrier to stability.
If you are in need of assistance with court-issued fines and fees, or if you would like to contribute to this life-changing fund, we invite you to take the next step. Click below to request help or to make a donation that brings real relief to someone working toward a better future.
