Friendship House is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the faith community, nonprofit sector, and business community in Delaware. The board provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and community connections that sustain the organization's mission.
Serving Delaware since 1985
Our Mission: Building Pathways from Homelessness to Stability in Delaware
Friendship House is a community-based ministry in Delaware serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity through direct assistance, empowerment programs, and partnership with faith communities across the state.
Our History
The Beginning
Friendship House was founded in 1985 by a small group of concerned citizens and faith leaders in Wilmington, Delaware who recognized that the existing social safety net was failing too many people. Families were falling into homelessness, individuals were cycling through emergency rooms and jails without access to the support they needed, and the faith community felt called to respond directly.
What began as a modest outreach effort — distributing clothing and sharing meals from a church basement — grew into a structured organization with dedicated programs, trained staff, and a network of partner churches spanning Delaware. The founding vision was simple: treat every person with dignity and provide practical help that creates a pathway forward.
Over four decades, Friendship House has evolved to meet changing needs while staying rooted in that original vision. The Clothing Bank of Delaware became the primary vehicle for clothing assistance across the state. The Newark Empowerment Center extended services beyond Wilmington. Partnerships with faith communities deepened, creating a network that can respond to crises — from Code Purple winter activations to community-wide clothing drives.
1985
Founded in Wilmington by faith leaders and community members responding to growing homelessness in Delaware.
1990
Established the Clothing Bank of Delaware as a dedicated program for clothing assistance in New Castle County.
2005
Expanded empowerment center operations to Newark, extending services to central New Castle County communities.
2015
Celebrated 30 years of continuous service. Deepened partnerships with affiliate churches across all three Delaware counties.
What We Do
Clothing Assistance
The Clothing Bank of Delaware distributes free clothing to individuals and families — professional attire for job interviews, seasonal wear for children, and everyday essentials.
Empowerment Services
The Newark Empowerment Center provides case management, day center access, mail services, and connections to housing and employment resources.
Community Partnerships
Our network of affiliated faith communities provides volunteer power, emergency shelter space during Code Purple activations, and sustained community support.
Board of Directors
Officers
- PresidentBoard of Directors
- Vice PresidentBoard of Directors
- TreasurerBoard of Directors
- SecretaryBoard of Directors
Members at Large
The board includes additional members at large representing affiliated faith communities, local businesses, and community organizations across Delaware. Board members serve voluntarily and bring diverse expertise in nonprofit management, finance, social services, and community engagement.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Friendship House does not work in isolation. Our effectiveness depends on a network of partnerships with organizations across Delaware's social services landscape:
- Faith Communities: Our affiliated churches provide volunteer teams, emergency shelter space, clothing drives, and community awareness.
- Delaware 211: The statewide referral system connects individuals in crisis with Friendship House programs and other community resources.
- Delaware Continuum of Care: Friendship House participates in the CoC's coordinated entry system, ensuring our services integrate with the broader homeless response system.
- University of Delaware: The School of Social Work provides field placement students who gain practical experience while contributing to empowerment center operations.
- Local Government: We work with the City of Wilmington, City of Newark, and New Castle County on housing policy, Code Purple coordination, and community development initiatives.