Leaders Convene at YWCA to Address Delaware’s Housing Crisis
March 5, 2026
The H.O.M.E.S. Campaign and Representative Sophie Phillips recently organized a Legislator Roundtable Discussion at YWCA Delaware’s Home-Life Management Center, bringing together policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to confront the urgent reality: more Delawareans are struggling to find safe, stable housing.
From rising rents to increasing student and senior homelessness, the challenges are growing. Advocates focused on the need to expand supportive housing and increase funding, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
The discussion created a space for thoughtful dialogue about what legislators are seeing and hearing in their districts and the real challenges Delawareans are facing when it comes to safe and affordable housing.
Participants explored the national and local context of homelessness, including insights from partners and experts such as:
National Homelessness Law Center
Housing Alliance Delaware
Delaware Department of Education (McKinney-Vento Program)
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Community outreach teams and service providers
Legislators in attendance included Representative Sophie Phillips (organizer), Senator Russ Huxtable, Senator Dan Cruce, Senator Elizabeth Lockman, Representative Kendra Johnson, and Senator Eric Buckson. Also in attendance was Matt Heckles, Director of Delaware State Housing Authority.
Speakers shared powerful data and perspectives about the growing housing crisis. Rents continue to rise faster than wages. For every $100 increase in rent, homelessness increases by approximately 9% (National Low Income Housing Coalition). National trends also show that adults over age 60 are the fastest-growing population experiencing homelessness.
In Delaware, conversations also highlighted the growing number of students identified as experiencing homelessness and how housing instability impacts families and young people across the state. During the 2022–2023 school year, about 4,416 public school students were identified as experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act protects the education rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. In Delaware, it ensures that students who lack stable housing can stay in school, enroll quickly, and receive support services so homelessness does not disrupt their education.
Throughout the roundtable, participants discussed both immediate and long-term solutions, including:
Immediate priorities
Passing the Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White Act (HB 135)
Increasing the Emergency and Transitional Housing Operating Fund to $5 million
Long-term strategies
Establishing 1% dedicated state funding for housing
Creating 150 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units
Expanding services such as case management, outreach workers, behavioral health support, and harm reduction services
The conversation also explored the important intersection between housing policy and behavioral health systems, emphasizing the need for coordinated solutions that center dignity, stability, and long-term support.
Experts, including Dr. Stephen Metraux of the University of Delaware, reminded participants that homelessness is shaped by many lived experiences — from unemployment to health challenges — and that effective solutions must keep humanity and community at the center.
One theme resonated strongly throughout the discussion: housing is more than a commodity — it is a fundamental human need.
YWCA Delaware appreciates the time, insight, and commitment shown by everyone who participated in this important conversation and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure every Delawarean has access to safe, stable housing.
