Beyond volunteering and donating goods, one of the most powerful ways to help is by advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness in Delaware. Affordable housing, living wages, mental health funding, and substance abuse treatment access are all policy areas where public support matters.
How to Contact Your Elected Officials
Delaware's small size means your voice carries weight with state and local leaders. Here is how to make it count:
- State Legislature: Find your state representative and senator at legis.delaware.gov. Call, email, or attend town halls to share your perspective on housing and homelessness funding.
- Governor's Office: The governor sets budget priorities that directly affect homeless services funding. Contact the governor's office at (302) 744-4101.
- City Council: Wilmington and Newark city councils make local decisions about zoning, shelter siting, and community development funding. Attend public meetings to speak during citizen comment periods.
- U.S. Senators and Representatives: Federal funding for HUD programs, VA homeless services, and SNAP benefits is decided in Congress. Contact Delaware's congressional delegation to advocate for continued or increased funding.
What to Advocate For
- Increased funding for emergency shelter and transitional housing programs
- Expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program
- State investment in affordable housing development
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment access for uninsured Delawareans
- Support for Code Purple and other emergency winter shelter programs
- Living wage policies that reduce the risk of housing instability