Basic Needs Program

How Catholic Charities Helps

Catholic Charities Basic Needs Program supports families and individuals who need emergency financial help.  This program not only lends a hand to deal with the immediate crisis but also provides budget and housing counseling, information, and referral to other services to help prevent future emergencies.

Our Basic Needs Program, dating back to the 1960s, helps families to avoid homelessness and prevent the loss of basic energy services, through:

— Utility Assistance

— Rent / Mortgage Assistance

— Prescription Assistance

— Budget Counseling

— Information and Referral Services

Catholic Charities operates 16 programs that support those in need.  Programs include mental health, addiction, and substance abuse counseling, the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), food cooperative programs, and emergency food pantries.  If you need additional help, we will refer you to one or more of our programs, or to another agency if we can’t help. This help should get you through your emergency and give you some additional time to find a job, pick up extra work hours, or polish your skills.

Our program guidelines, by design, remain flexible— allowing us to respond to special needs and requests.  For this reason, other community agencies look to us for coordination to serve the client that falls between the cracks of the social service system.  We strive to provide a comprehensive approach to financial emergencies.

How To Get Help

For more information, please contact Catholic Charities' location nearest you.

New Castle County Office

2601 W Fourth Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19805

Phone: 302-655-9624

Kent County Office

2099 S DuPont Highway

Dover, Delaware 19901

Phone: 302-674-1600

Sussex County Office

406 S Bedford Street, Suite 9

Georgetown, Delaware 19947

Phone: 302-856-9578

Eastern Shore Office/Seton Center

30632 Hampden Avenue

PO Box 401

Princess Anne, Maryland 21853

Phone: 410-651-9608

Click here to send an email for more information.

Bring with you for an appointment:

— Proof of Income

— Monthly Expenses / Bills

— Proof of Address

— Social Security Cards for all household members

— Copy of bill to be paid

How You Can Help

Click here to donate to the Basic Needs Program using a credit card.  You may also send a check to Catholic Charities, 2601 W 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, and designate Basic Needs Program on the check memo line.

Click here to join our newsletter mailing list to keep in touch with all of Catholic Charities programs.