You Are Not Alone

A Safe Haven for Women & Families in Delaware

The Shepherd Place provides relief to women and families who are in distress or dire economic situations without regard to age, race, creed, national origin, or sexual orientation.

Delaware, USA · Est. 1990

How We Help

Comprehensive support for women and families experiencing homelessness in Delaware.

  • Food

    Meals are provided to support the basic needs and well-being of women experiencing homelessness.

  • Shelter

    A 30-day shelter stay provides temporary, safe housing and basic support services for women experiencing homelessness.

  • Clothing

    Essential garments and weather-appropriate attire for women and children staying at the shelter, supporting their needs during their stay.

  • Case Management

    Planning, coordinating, and monitoring services to meet an individual's health, social, or professional needs.

Case Management & Planning

Coordinating personalized services to help each resident achieve lasting stability.

A social worker and client reviewing a personalized case management plan at The Shepherd Place
The money the client earns is saved for things like future down payments and deposits on utility service. Our programs are designed to create a clear path to independence.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Clients must be employed in a stable long-term job
  • Cannot have outstanding legal trouble
  • annot have a history of substance abuse unless they have successfully completed treatment and remain clean
  • Family must be stable and school age children must be enrolled in school
* The restrictions are tight, but the need is great, and the homes have waiting lists.

Annual Numbers at The Shepherd Place

Each number represents a life touched, a family supported, a future rebuilt.

500+
Clients Served Per Year
250
Children Served Annually
30 days
Shelter Stay Program
1990
Year Founded
A Resident's Path to Stability
  1. Safe Shelter
  2. Meals & Clothing
  3. Case Plan
  4. Employment
  5. Stable Home
Diverse women and children sharing a warm meal together at The Shepherd Place dining room in Delaware
An elderly woman receiving clothing assistance at The Shepherd Place shelter, representing dignity and care for all residents
A young woman working with a case manager to build a personalized stability plan at The Shepherd Place

A Stable Home for Every Resident

Transitional housing bridges the gap between shelter life and permanent independence, giving residents a safe place to build their future.

The journey doesn't end at employment. The Shepherd Place partners with transitional housing programs to ensure every resident has a safe, stable home as they step into full independence. Savings built during their stay cover deposits and first month's rent — removing the final barrier to a new life.
Secure Employment

Residents must hold stable employment before transitioning to independent housing.

Build Savings

Earnings are saved for deposits, utility set-up, and first month's rent.

Transitional Housing Placement

Case managers coordinate placement in partner transitional homes with support services.

Permanent Independence

Graduates move into permanent housing with the skills and resources to sustain it.

* The restrictions are tight, but the need is great, and the transitional homes have waiting lists. We work to place every ready resident as quickly as possible.
A woman proudly standing in front of her new stable home, symbolizing independence achieved through The Shepherd Place programs

Transitional Housing

Transitional Housing is available for those clients who qualify. There is a waiting list for this limited space. Those clients who can work are encouraged and assisted with finding employment; those who cannot work receive assistance with getting the ongoing support they need.


Clients receive assistance finding permanent housing, or if needed, space in another shelter when their thirty day stay at the Shepherd Place is over. It is a step between being in a shelter and being in a more permanent leased space that will be "theirs". As with the shelter itself, it is provided at no charge.

The reasons clients come through are as varied as the people themselves and include:

Domestic Violence

Substance Abuse

Personal Tragedy

Unfortunate Circumstances

A special thanks to our sponsors

We invite you to support our  mission.

The Shelter can and does use a great deal of supplies that are donated from members of the community and by various organizations and businesses. It is truly those donations that allow us to assist those in need in the community. Items received are given to residents to be used during their stay at the shelter or given to them when they move into their own home. 

Volunteers

Volunteers have offered services to the clients ranging from offering rides to church or to various appointments. Others conduct workshops on various topics both one on one or with groups of clients. Also, the Shelter has had individuals come in and paint the walls or clean the carpets or do other work to help maintain the shelter's buildings and grounds.

Community Organizations

Community Organizations ranging from service groups such as the Scouts and Youth Groups to the Officers at Dover Air Force Base have had work days at the shelter, or conducted food and clothing drives for its benefit. Various local businesses often contribute both cash and goods and sometimes work days at the shelter.

Food &

occasional needs

  • Cereals, breakfast bars.
  • Ground coffee, filters
  • Tea bags
  • Sugar
  • Kool Aid
  • Drink mixes (Capri Sun, etc.)
  • Butter, Country Crock, etc.
  • Mops, brooms, dustpans, dusting cloths.
  • Landscaping tools.
  • Office supplies.
  • Pots and pans, cooking utensils.
  • Bath mats, rugs.
  • Curtains.
  • Plates, bowls, cups, dishes, silverware, etc.

Needed

year round

  • Twin size bed linens, comforters, 
  • Towels and wash cloths.
  • Laundry detergent, fabric softener
  • Trash bags (Large and Kitchen size)
  • General Cleaner, like Mr. Clean, 409 etc.
  • Bleach, Disinfecting Wipes
  • Windex
  • Paper towels
  • Zip-lock bags


Other

needs

  • Toothbrushes, disposable razors, fingernail clippers, etc.
  • Shampoo, body wash, lotion, toothpaste, deodorants, etc.
  • Feminine hygiene items
  • Denture care supplies
  • Diapers, training pants of all sizes
  • Clothing
  • Car seats (new only due to safety concerns)
  • Travel cribs and playpens (new only due to safety concerns)

Don't throw away coupons

  • Unexpired coupons are always needed and help us save money! They can be dropped in the basket at the front desk.

volunteer

What gift or talent do you or your organization have to share with The Shepherd Place?

Opportunities for the community to assist the Shelter are as varied as the individual and organizations that assist us in our service to those in need.


Happy, fun, kid-loving volunteers are needed to share one evening and your skills during the house meetings giving the children an activity hour including but not limited to games, stories, help with homework, craft projects etc.

We definitely appreciate said efforts, and we thank you for considering us.


We do make one request before the event is scheduled: please call the Shelter Manager and discuss it with her. We ask this to avoid duplication of effort and to spread out donations of goods and services throughout the year. During the Holiday Season, we are often overwhelmed with donations and good deeds, then during other times of the year, we may have to scramble to find things we need.


Families and groups are needed to bring dinner for approximately 30 people, but please check with the shelter for available dates.

Ready To Do Your Part?