Investments totaling nearly $6 million focused on communities hardest hit during the pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Carper and Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester announced Monday nearly $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) capital projects funding (CPF) to nonprofit organizations that provide much needed housing services. This funding is in addition to the $65 million in capital projects announced this past March for community center projects and $40 million distributed to libraries throughout all three counties to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Delaware has now received approval for the full $112 million in CPF funds that were allocated to Delaware through the ARPA CPF program.

Learn more about the Capital Project Fund investments in Delaware at de.gov/cpf

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

“These capital funds are already at work to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans. You can see it in our libraries and community centers across the state,” said Governor Carney. “The projects announced today will assist some of our most vulnerable neighbors – those dealing with lack of safe and affordable housing. I want to thank the Congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”

“The American Rescue Plan continues to deliver to help our most vulnerable residents in Delaware,” said Senator Carper. “This will help organizations on the front lines of helping shelter and uplift our homeless, and I thank Governor Carney and my fellow congressional delegation members for their hard work to get this funding out the door.”

“Three years after its passage, the American Rescue Plan is still paying dividends for Delaware communities with the greatest need,” said Senator Coons. “These investments will help build and restore facilities serving families, individuals, and veterans experiencing homelessness, and ensure that more of our neighbors can find safe, decent, and affordable housing in southern and central Delaware.”

“When drafting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we thought about what investments must be made to strengthen the communities that keep Delaware moving,” said Representative Blunt Rochester. “We know that housing is foundational to everything – from education to employment. That’s why the investment we’re celebrating today is so critical because it’s going to help give individuals, families, and veterans the resources they need not just to survive but to thrive with dignity. I’m proud to have worked with Senators Carper and Coons to pass ARPA last Congress so that we can continue our efforts to expand access to and supply of safe, affordable, and reliable housing across the First State.”

“The rising cost of housing is putting the pressure on Delaware families. A person’s financial and physical health starts with having a roof over their head; that’s why these projects will provide much needed relief to veterans and our most vulnerable community members,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “I thank our Congressional delegation for securing these critical investments at a time when they will do the most good.”

The funding announced on Monday will provide:

• $350,000 to The Home of the Brave in Milford to renovate the facility to serve more homeless veterans and provide services to homeless veterans in Delaware including individual case management, mental health counseling, life skills training and educational services.
• More than $2.4 million to The Springboard Collaborative to support this nonprofit organization’s initiatives to build shelter villages for homeless adults in southern and central Delaware in  low-income areas hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• $470,000 to the Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action Foundation in Ellendale for renovations to expand the number of beds to keep homeless off the streets in Sussex County, in a safe, socially distant physical space.
• $2.5 million to Children and Families First to support an extensive renovation of their Seaford House Transitional Residence. Seaford House serves youth in foster who receive round the clock support from specially trained staff who provide ongoing intensive therapy, case management, and life skills training. Planned expansion and upgrades include adding bedrooms to allow for single-occupancy rooms, improving HVAC systems to support appropriate ventilation, building outdoor spaces to accommodate services and recreation, and more.

Delaware submitted its ARPA Capital Projects plan to the U.S. Treasury on January 14, 2022, and the first batch of projects were approved on May 1, 2023. Delaware’s Project Plan for housing projects was approved on July 19, 2023.

For those applications that meet the strict federal requirements, the criteria used to review the proposed projects included whether the projects are shovel ready, have financial support beyond the federal stimulus funding, and could sustain the investments beyond the federal stimulus. The projects also must be located in communities hardest hit by the pandemic, and each project must enable education, work, and health monitoring.

To view the Treasury’s guidelines for ARPA allocations, click here. 

For a full list of Delaware’s ARPA allocations, click here. 

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Funding will accelerate building in Riverside development, nearly 350 homes in two years

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long, and members of Delaware’s congressional delegation joined community leaders at REACH Riverside on Monday to announce $26.4 million in housing funding for the purpose-built community in northeast Wilmington. The announcement will accelerate the development of 350 affordable homes to completion in just two years.

The investment is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

“This purpose-built community will accelerate the development of safe, affordable housing for hundreds of Delaware families, and help rebuild a Wilmington community that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis. That’s exactly how these American Rescue Plan funds are meant to be used,” said Governor Carney. “The Riverside redevelopment will support a mix of housing options for city residents, as well as providing wraparound social services in the community. Thank you to the WRK Group for their commitment to our City, and to members of our federal delegation and President Biden for providing these important resources through the American Rescue Plan Act.”

“Your zip code should not determine your ability to have a high-quality, safe, affordable home,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “Economic, physical, and emotional well-being are all linked to a stable home. These ARPA funds combined with the public-private partnerships provide a once in a generational opportunity for us to make a real difference and deliver meaningful investments for Delaware’s families.”

“Today’s announcement will not only speed up the redevelopment of Riverside, it will transform generations of families that call Riverside home,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “This $26.4 million in funding to help redevelop this community is from the American Rescue Plan Act, a bill that your Congressional Delegation fought hard to see across the finish line. I am so proud we are using these federal dollars to support our communities most in need, and most hard hit by the pandemic.”

“Safe, sanitary, and affordable housing is the foundation on which you can build a life, a family, and a strong community,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Today’s announcement that $26.4 million of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan will be used to accelerate the construction of housing in the Riverside neighborhood is a testament to the Governor and General Assembly’s understanding of the importance of affordable housing. I’m proud to work with our local, state, and federal partners on this historic investment.”

“Delaware is so fortunate to have Logan Herring and REACH Riverside at the helm of the redevelopment of the Riverside neighborhood in Wilmington,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “ This $26.4 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, which your federal delegation voted to pass in March of this year, will allow for REACH Riverside to continue its critical work of providing safe, affordable public housing to Delawareans. Despite the challenges brought on by the Hurricane Ida last month, Riverside remains a place of opportunity and hope, and I am proud to play a part in helping this neighborhood become a more safe and vibrant one.”

“The WRK Group (The Warehouse, REACH Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center) is so grateful for the generous investment in the Riverside community,” said Logan Herring, CEO of the WRK Group. “The Riverside neighborhood is a real example of the impact of systemic racism and poverty in a local community. The Riverside neighborhood was originally built to create an affordable neighborhood for White veterans returning from World War II. The GI bill, which gave many returning veterans the opportunity to obtain a mortgage, home, and in time, the development of generational wealth, didn’t necessarily extend to returning Black veterans. Decades later, the effects of the flawed GI Bill and other contributing factors to systemic racism, such as mass incarceration, are widely felt by today’s residents. Governor Carney’s announcement of ARPA funds being invested into our community, is a welcomed one and illustrates Delaware’s ongoing commitment to empowering a traditionally underserved community. On behalf of The WRK Group and Riverside, thank you.”

“As a family-owned business based in Wilmington, DiSabatino Construction is thrilled by the historic investment of these funds into the Riverside community,” said Larry DiSabatino, President, DiSabatino Construction. “Building affordable housing in Wilmington has been a vital part of the DiSabatino family businesses for five generations now. We are proud to be a partner in providing our fellow community members a safe, beautiful, and affordable place to call home. We are thrilled to be working with The WRK Group on phase one of the project as the construction manager.”

“Pennrose would like to congratulate our partners in the Riverside Redevelopment for the substantial investment announced by Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long,” said Ryan Bailey, Senior Developer at Pennrose. “We are honored to partner with The WRK Group and Wilmington Housing Authority to develop a brand-new residential community for Riverside. Thank you, Governor Carney, for your investment in this well-deserved initiative.”

Click here to view photos from today’s announcement.

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$200 million in financial assistance available to Delawareans struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19 crisis

WILMINGTON – Joined by U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi on Friday announced the reopening of the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DEHAP), which provides financial assistance for renters affected by COVID-19. Landlords and tenants can apply for assistance beginning Monday, March 22, 2021 using DSHA’s application portal.

DEHAP provides financial assistance to renters experiencing unemployment or other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Out of $25 billion dedicated nationally through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the State of Delaware was awarded $200 million in emergency rent relief funds. Governor Carney has tasked DSHA with administering these funds for the state through DEHAP.

Per the new program guidelines, DEHAP now allows for up to 12 months of financial assistance, with the possibility of extended assistance for an additional three months. DEHAP can cover rent arrears dating from April 2020 and forward and current rent due. Payments will be made directly to landlords and property managers.

“I am thankful to our federal partners who were able to secure this significant funding for our state to help address the needs of tenants and landlords at this time,” said Governor John Carney. “We know many Delawareans continue to face a very challenging time as they struggle with the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. By reopening the rental assistance program with this funding, we hope to help more Delaware families stay in their homes both during and after the pandemic.”

“For more than a year now, many Delawareans have been facing a very difficult and uncertain financial future,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “By reopening DEHAP, we can continue our efforts to keep Delawareans in their homes and prevent evictions. We are committed to distributing these rental assistance funds as quickly and efficiently as possible to help stabilize the rental market and provide help for as many eligible renters and landlords as we can throughout the state.”

“As our state continues to feel the effect of the pandemic, we need to continue doing as much as we can to help our neighbors in need keep the roof over their heads,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “I was proud to support passing legislation that provided rental assistance funding for Delaware, and I hope these funds will go a long way to help Delawareans at a time when they need it most.”

“I was proud to join my colleagues to vote for this funding to help Delawareans facing financial hardships through no fault of their own,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Even now, more than a year in to the pandemic, we are still seeing a significant economic impact from this crisis, especially in the rental market. This funding for DEHAP will help some of our state’s most vulnerable residents remain in their homes, avoiding eviction and homelessness.”

“Many of our state’s renters, particularly those with lower incomes, have been disproportionately impacted by layoffs, reduced work hours, or childcare needs resulting from the pandemic,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I am honored to help announce the reopening of DEHAP and support funding for it. This program will provide much-needed relief to our state’s renters who have been struggling since the start of this crisis.”

DEHAP was first launched by DSHA in March of 2020, making DSHA the first housing finance agency in the country to launch a rental assistance program to assist tenants who were struggling to pay their rent because of a COVID-19 job loss or loss of income. When first launched, DSHA received an overwhelming response to the program and paused it to reassess funding availability. The program reopened in August 2020 and accepted applications through December.

In total, thus far, DSHA has approved nearly $15 million in rental assistance funding for 4,188 households since the DEHAP program was first launched.

Friday’s announcement event was held at The Flats, a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit site in Wilmington owned by Woodlawn Trustees. Several of the tenants living at The Flats received DEHAP assistance under previous versions of the program.

“This is such an important program for our families, many of whom have been directly affected by the pandemic with a job loss or other loss of income,” said Woodlawn Trustees CEO Rich Pryzwara. “We are honored to host today’s announcement event and look forward to helping our residents who are in need of assistance apply for help from DEHAP.”

Speaking at Friday’s event, Andre Frantone, a resident of The Flats, said he was laid off from his job as an executive chef at a local hotel due to the pandemic. In October, Frantone received about $4,000 in rental assistance from DEHAP. “This program was a lifeline for my family and me, and I am grateful for the assistance it provided us,” he said. “Without the help from DEHAP, I’m not sure what would have happened to my family. I encourage anyone in Delaware who is struggling to pay their rent to look into the program and see if it can help them.”

To qualify for DEHAP, households must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they reside as well as meet several other criteria. Per federal guidelines, DSHA will prioritize applications for households at or below 50% of the area median income level and households where one or more members are currently unemployed and have been for at least 90 days. Income eligibility per county and other program requirements can be found on DSHA’s new DEHAP website at www.decovidhousinghelp.com or by calling 866-935-0407. The website provides step-by-step tutorial videos and Frequently Asked Questions for landlords and tenants who plan to initiate applications to DEHAP. Both landlords and tenants can initiate an application for DEHAP, but they will need to work together to ensure proper documentation is provided by both parties.

Tenants who received DEHAP assistance previously may receive rental assistance again for rent arrears or rent not already paid by DEHAP, but they will need to reapply for the program since eligibility requirements and program documentation have changed.

The application portal will go live on Monday, March 22, 2021. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to review the eligibility information and required documentation in advance at www.decovidhousinghelp.com so they are prepared to submit their applications when the portal opens.

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Governor Carney, DSHA, New Castle County Announce $40 Million in Housing Assistance

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi on Monday announced the reopening of the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP), which provides financial assistance for renters affected by COVID-19, and announced that emergency mortgage assistance is now available for homeowners who have missed payments due to the pandemic.

The State of Delaware and New Castle County will contribute a combined $40 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to provide payments for qualified applications to both the rental and mortgage assistance programs.  

“We know many Delawareans continue to face a very challenging time as they struggle with the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Governor John Carney. “By reopening the rental assistance program and providing similar financial assistance to homeowners, we hope to help more Delaware families stay in their homes both during and after the pandemic.” 

“We know that many of our neighbors remain unemployed or underemployed and are struggling to keep a roof over their heads,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to prevent evictions and foreclosures resulting from the pandemic and will allow DSHA and our partners the opportunity to better assist both renters and homeowners throughout the state with their housing needs.” 

“No one should be thrown out on the street due to the inability to pay their rent or mortgage during a public health emergency,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “Since day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, our county government has focused on protecting New Castle County’s most vulnerable residents. We have partnered with the state on these efforts throughout the pandemic, and I am thankful for the leadership Governor Carney and Director Ben Addi have shown by reopening the rental assistance program and the start of emergency mortgage assistance. I am proud that $20 million of our CARES Act funding will go to support these programs that will continue to enable so many families to have a place to call home.” 

DE HAP provides financial assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, or unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the revised program guidelines, eligible households can now receive up to $5,000 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner. The program was first launched in March and temporarily paused in late April due to overwhelming response and to allow DSHA to review federal funding opportunities provided by the CARES Act. 

To be eligible for DE HAP, applicants must reside in Delaware and have a maximum household income post-pandemic at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they reside. Income eligibility per county for DE HAP can be found on DSHA’s website. 

With the relaunch of DE HAP, applications must now be submitted by landlords or property owners on behalf of tenants through a newly created application portal on DSHA’s website. DSHA’s website provides a step-by-step tutorial video and Frequently Asked Questions for landlords submitting applications to DE HAP. 

On July 1, Governor Carney released a modified order lifting the moratorium on foreclosure and eviction filings in place since March but ordered that all evictions would continue to be stayed to permit the Justice of the Peace Courts to determine whether the parties would benefit from a court-supervised mediation or a newly created alternative dispute resolution program.  

The reopening of the DE HAP program, coupled with the Court’s mediation and alternative dispute resolution programs, will allow DSHA to assist renters at risk of eviction and help keep many of them in their homes in the months to come.  

“Many Delaware families are one missed rent payment away from facing an eviction filed against them that could result in homelessness,” said Housing Alliance Delaware Executive Director Rachel Stucker. “Housing Alliance Delaware is very happy to see DSHA and New Castle County responding to this important housing need. If we can keep Delaware families in their homes, we can help them avoid the trauma of homelessness and the significant risks associated with not having a safe home during a public health emergency.” 

DSHA is also providing emergency housing assistance to homeowners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the organization’s existing Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP). The program will assist homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure because of a pandemic-related job loss, reduced work hours or unpaid leave. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $5,000 per household, paid directly to the mortgage servicer. 

To be eligible for the emergency mortgage assistance, the applicant must own their home in Delaware and it must be their primary residence. Homeowners must also have a maximum household income post-pandemic at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they reside. In Kent and Sussex counties, the maximum household income limit is $65,520 and in New Castle County, the maximum household income limit is $77,280.  

DSHA is working closely with several HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout the state, including First State Community Action Agency, who will be processing applications for the emergency mortgage assistance program. 

“First State Community Action Agency is honored to partner with DSHA to help assist homeowners throughout our state who are struggling with their mortgage payments due to the pandemic,” said Executive Director Bernice Edwards. “The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on almost every industry in our state, and we know many Delawareans are facing difficult financial decisions right now. We are hopeful this assistance will help those households stay current on their mortgage during the health crisis.” 

More information on the COVID-19 rental and mortgage assistance programs is available at www.destatehousing.com/covid19.  

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WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi and Justice of the Peace Court Chief Magistrate Alan Davis announced a joint effort on foreclosure and eviction prevention to support Delaware homeowners and renters financially impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.

“This is still an extremely difficult time for many Delawareans and Delaware families – and this initiative is about continuing to support our neighbors through this COVID-19 crisis,” said Governor Carney. “We need to make sure homeowners and renters throughout our state are aware of their options and know what to do next if they have missed a rent or mortgage payment. We have brought together agencies across our state to more effectively coordinate our efforts and provide real support for Delawareans and Delaware families.”

Governor Carney’s latest modification includes several consumer protections for Delawareans and Delaware families. Effective at 8:00 a.m. on July 1, filings for foreclosures and evictions can resume, but evictions will continue to be stayed to permit the Justice of the Peace Courts to determine whether the parties would benefit from a court-supervised mediation or alternative dispute resolution.

That process may include identifying access to housing support services through the Delaware State Housing Authority. Local sheriffs and constables are directed to refrain from removing individuals from residential properties unless a Delaware court determines that enforcement is necessary in the interest of justice. In addition, utility companies must offer four-month payment plans to those affected by COVID-19 who were unable to pay utility bills during the height of the pandemic, and insurance companies must offer 90-day repayment plans for those affected by COVID-19 who failed to make premium payments during the height of the pandemic.

DSHA and the Department of Justice will partner on a comprehensive plan to educate Delaware homeowners and renters on the foreclosure and eviction process and provide integrated services, including financial assistance, to prevent Delaware residents from losing their homes due to a COVID-19-related job loss, loss of income or illness. In addition to at least $15 million in initial federal funding for direct housing assistance, DSHA is committing $250,000 and the Department of Justice is committing $100,000 for public awareness efforts and support to advocacy organizations.

“Even as businesses resume operations and more Delawareans get back to work after COVID-19 shutdowns, we know many homeowners and renters in our state are still struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Along with DSHA, we want to make sure that all Delawareans understand the foreclosure and eviction process, that they know all of their rights and responsibilities, and that they are able to consider all of the assistance available to them,” said Attorney General Jennings.

“DSHA remains committed to helping more Delawareans stay in their homes both during the pandemic and in the months to follow,” said DSHA Director Ben Addi. “The steps we are taking are important in preventing foreclosure and eviction court filings and will go a long way in helping us avoid a foreclosure and eviction wave in the coming months that could cause irreparable financial harm to many Delawareans.”

The joint effort on foreclosure prevention will include three key focus areas:

• Launching a multifaceted educational campaign targeting Delaware homeowners at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure due to financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis;
• Supporting an increase in capacity for the state’s HUD-approved housing counseling nonprofit agencies to provide guidance and assistance to homeowners and additional mediation capacity in the Automatic Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program; and
• Providing timely financial assistance tools including a new program designed to provide emergency mortgage relief for homeowners at risk of foreclosure due to a COVID-19 job loss or loss of income.

DSHA and the Department of Justice are working closely with several HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout the state, including NCALL, to support increased capacity within those agencies.

“NCALL is honored to be working with DSHA and the Department of Justice to assist Delaware homeowners at risk of foreclosure,” said Executive Director Karen Speakman. “As a housing counseling agency, we can offer a lifeline to households who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments, provide guidance on the options available to them and help them navigate the foreclosure mediation process.”

The joint effort on eviction prevention will include the below key focus areas:

• Launching a multifaceted educational campaign targeting Delaware renters at risk of eviction due to financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis;
• Providing funding to the state’s legal aid organizations who offer legal services for unrepresented tenants facing eviction;
• An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program created and managed by the Justice of the Peace Court that will encourage property owners and tenants to work together on possible solutions to avoid eviction; and
• Reopening applications for the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP) which provides rental assistance for Delawareans struggling to pay rent due to a pandemic-related job loss or illness. Income eligibility and application information for DE HAP will be available on DSHA’s website.

“This is a great program and the Delaware Judiciary is pleased to be a partner in this joint effort to help people better understand the eviction and foreclosure process, get individuals and families the help they need and ultimately keep people in their homes, particularly during these difficult times,” said Chief Magistrate Davis. “Our new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program – which has roots in the Superior Court’s successful mortgage mediation program – will be available for a wide variety of cases, but we expect that a large number of landlord-tenant disputes can be resolved through this process, quickly, fairly and amicably. We also recognize that landlords have a stake here and may also be struggling and we believe this program will help them be made more whole than otherwise might be possible. Finally, this program will be largely online, meaning participants will generally not have to go to court – or a mediator’s office – which is particularly advantageous during this pandemic.”

Support for the state’s legal aid organizations will be made available under funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. With the funding, organizations like Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) can provide tenants legal representation so they can avoid displacement and homelessness.

“The eviction moratorium protection provided to tenants by the Governor has been extremely important to ensuring that families are not evicted from their homes during the pandemic. However, the moratorium did not abate the rent. Once the moratorium is lifted, tenants who have lost jobs and income during the pandemic will be taken to court and face eviction unless a significant rental assistance program is implemented. We will quickly be overwhelmed by requests for assistance from tenants worried that they may lose their homes because they have fallen behind in rent,” said CLASI Executive Director Dan Atkins. “With our involvement, evictions can often be prevented altogether, saving tenants, landlords, and the State the expense and disruptions of displacement and homelessness.”

Additional information on the resources available for homeowners and renters facing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis is available on DSHA’s website at destatehousing.com/covid19 or at de.gov/coronavirus. Homeowners can also contact the Delaware Department of Justice’s Office of Foreclosure Prevention at de.gov/foreclosureprevention or (800) 220-5424. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Health or medically-related COVID-19 questions can also be submitted by email to DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response to COVID-19, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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