Empowerment Program

Newark Empowerment Center: Community Support and Case Management Services

A safe, welcoming space offering dignity, resources, and community support for those navigating homelessness and housing insecurity in the greater Newark, Delaware area.

View Services Hours & Location

Current Services

Day Center

A safe indoor space during daytime hours where individuals can rest, access restrooms, charge devices, and escape extreme weather. Coffee and light refreshments available.

Mail Services

Registered clients can use the center's address to receive mail — critical for job applications, benefits correspondence, medical records, and court documents when you lack a permanent address.

Case Management

One-on-one meetings with trained case managers who help develop individualized plans for housing stability, employment, benefits enrollment, and connection to community resources.

History & Hours

Our History

The Newark Empowerment Center grew out of a recognized need for homeless services outside of Wilmington. While the majority of Delaware's shelter and support infrastructure has historically been concentrated in Wilmington, a growing number of individuals and families in the Newark area were falling through the cracks — sleeping in cars, couch-surfing, or camping near the University of Delaware campus with limited access to services.

Friendship House established the Newark Empowerment Center to extend its mission into central New Castle County, partnering with local churches, the City of Newark, and the University of Delaware's School of Social Work. The center provides a critical bridge — connecting people in crisis with the resources they need while advocating for expanded services in the greater Newark area.

Today, the center serves dozens of individuals each week, offering not just material assistance but a consistent, welcoming presence in a community where homelessness often goes unseen.

Operating Hours

Monday	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday	Closed

Community Impact

The Newark Empowerment Center serves the greater Newark area including communities that previously had no dedicated homeless services — filling a critical gap in Delaware's safety net.

What to Expect When You Visit

Your first visit to the Newark Empowerment Center is straightforward and judgment-free. Walk in during operating hours — no appointment is necessary for your initial visit.

A staff member or volunteer will greet you and offer a beverage. If you would like to register for ongoing services, you will have a brief, private conversation with a case manager who will ask about your current situation, immediate needs, and goals. This is not an interrogation — it is a conversation designed to help us connect you with the right resources.

You do not need identification, documentation, or a referral to access the day center. If you need case management services, we will work with you to gather any necessary information over time — nothing is required on your first visit except showing up.

Location & Contact