Help nearby
Free and low-cost help in Delaware and Delaware County — support groups you can walk into, free meals, shelter, clinics, pets, and more. Everything below was checked against the organizer’s own page or the county HelpLine brochure; hours and eligibility change, so call to confirm. This page is for the city/county in Central Ohio, not the state of Delaware.
You are not alone, and asking for help is a strong thing to do. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
Shelter safety: domestic-violence shelter locations are confidential everywhere, including here. Call a hotline above and an advocate will arrange safe shelter and transportation. If it might be unsafe for the abuser to see this call or website, use a safer device or the Hotline’s chat at thehotline.org.
Important: This website is not a crisis service and does not provide emergency response, medical care, or counseling. For emergencies, call 911. For suicide and crisis support, you can also dial 988. Phone numbers, hours and addresses can change; call ahead. Listing here is not an endorsement.
Some things are easier to carry with other people in the room. Every group below is free unless noted. If you aren’t sure where to start, call HelpLine (211 or 740-369-3316) and ask for a group that fits.
24-hour crisis line serving Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Union, Crawford and Wyandot counties. Free, confidential help for victims of any gender: emergency shelter (location confidential), transportation, victims’ rights advocacy, and individual and group education & support — call for current group times. Text option: send turningpoint to 20121.
Weekdays 8–4:30 for help with civil protection orders, court accompaniment, crime-victim compensation forms and referrals. 24/7 crisis response is available through law-enforcement referral.
1776 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015
Support for victims of misdemeanor offenses including domestic violence and violations of protection orders. Also ask about Safe at Home, Ohio’s address confidentiality program.
Numbers from the Sheriff’s Office victim-services page and the HelpLine brochure.
| Group | When | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAMI Connection peer support Free | Thursdays, noon–1 p.m. | NAMI Mid-Ohio Delaware office, 61 W. William St., Delaware | Adults living with a mental health condition. Peer-led, confidential, light snacks. |
| NAMI Connection at Annie’s Outreach Free | Mondays, 11 a.m.–noon (not holidays) | Annie’s Outreach Center, 241 Paddock Ct., Suite B, Delaware | Peer-led. |
| NAMI Family Support Group Free | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. | NAMI Mid-Ohio Delaware office (confirm the address when you call) | For adults with a loved one who has a mental health condition. |
| NAMI Connection — Black & Brown community focus Free | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6–7:30 p.m. | Londontown Apartments, 300 Chelsea St., Delaware | Peer-led. |
| NAMI Connection — FaithNet Free | 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. | Heritage Christian Church, 7413 Maxtown Rd., Westerville | Delaware County group. |
| GriefShare (Liberty Barn Church) Free | Sundays, 2:30–4 p.m., through Nov. 22 | Fearing Hall, 7080 Olentangy River Rd., Delaware | Join any week; each session stands alone. Contact Amy King, 740-548-6075 (online registration shows closed). |
| GriefShare (Vineyard Church) Free | Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m., through Oct. 27 | 1001 W. Cherry St., Sunbury | Final fall session Oct. 27. New sessions usually start in the new year — check GriefShare.org. |
| Annie’s Outreach Center (peer drop-in) Free | Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | 241 Paddock Ct., Suite B, Delaware · 740-363-1619 | No appointment. Ages 18+ living with a mental health or substance-use challenge; lunch served; rides available. Peer support, not therapy. |
740-815-1767 (call or text)
Peer groups, classes and family support. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264. Group calendar
40 N. Sandusky St., Suite 301, Delaware, OH 43015
Funds local providers. Its Network of Care: Southeast Healthcare (adults, 824 Bowtown Rd., 740-695-7795), Syntero (children & families, 7100 Graphics Way, Lewis Center, 614-889-5722), Cornerstone of Hope grief & trauma (614-824-4285).
Official meeting finders are below — meeting times change, so use them for the latest. These are the in-person meetings the finders list in Delaware, Lewis Center and Westerville (checked Oct. 16, 2026). “Open” means anyone may attend; “Closed” means people who want to stop drinking.
High Hopes — Sundays 6:30–7:30 p.m., Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Rd., Delaware (listed by the NA Central Ohio finder).
Other NA groups meet in Westerville and Columbus; call 614-252-1700 or use the finder.
Saturdays 7:30 a.m. — Early Morning Serenity, New Start Church, 795 Pollock Rd., Delaware (in person + Zoom).
Tuesdays 8 p.m. — Tuesday Night AFG, All Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, 6580 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center (in person + Zoom).
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups of Central Ohio, 614-547-1550.
| Day | Time | AA group | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 a.m. | Orange Fellowship | North Orange Park Community Room, 7560 Gooding Blvd., Delaware | Open |
| Sunday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware True Tolerance | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 45 W. Winter St., Delaware | Open |
| Monday | noon | Delaware AA Noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 45 W. Winter St. | Open |
| Monday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Big Book Discussion | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (also online) | Open |
| Monday | 7:30 p.m. | Liberty Fireside | Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Rd., Delaware | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7:00 a.m. | Delaware Sunrise | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (also online) | Open |
| Tuesday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware 12 & 12 | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8:00 p.m. | Hole in the Doughnut | All Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, 6580 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center | Open |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Area Women’s Group | Asbury United Methodist Church, 55 W. Lincoln Ave., Delaware (also online) | Open, women |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Corkers Discussion | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open |
| Thursday | 7:00 a.m. | Delaware Sunrise | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (also online) | Open |
| Thursday | noon | Delaware AA Noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Friendship Fellowship | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. | The Whole Donut | All Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, Lewis Center | Open |
| Friday | noon | Delaware AA Noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open |
| Friday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Happy to Be Sober | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | Delaware Dawn | Highpoint Nazarene Church (Newstart), 795 Pollock Rd., Delaware | Open |
| Saturday | 7:00 p.m. | Delaware Winter Street | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church | Open, speaker |
Source: Central Ohio Group Fellowship of AA meeting index (aacentralohio.org), NA Central Ohio meeting finder (BMLT), Central Ohio Al-Anon Family Groups, accessed Oct. 16, 2026. Confirm in the finder — groups move and pause.
A weekly view of free community meals in and near Delaware. Many are carry-out only. Pattern entries (like “2nd & 4th”) repeat every month. Dated meals appear in the community calendar.
| Day | Time | Meal & host | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5–7 p.m. | Free meal, pantry and free clinic (Vineyard Church of Delaware County, Sunbury) (1st, 3rd Mondays) | Vineyard Church of Delaware County, 1001 W. Cherry St., Sunbury, OH 43074 · 740-965-8888 | Free clinic is by appointment only. |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Free carry-out community dinner (Andrews House) (3rd Mondays) | Andrews House, 39 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-4520 | Carry-out only. Brochure says call ahead to order. | |
| 6–8 p.m. | Free Store + free prepared meal (Common Ground) | Common Ground Free Store, 193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-3733 | Free clothing, shoes, housewares, diapers and prepared meals. Not able to serve Franklin County residents. | |
| Tuesday | 6–8 p.m. | Free Store + free prepared meal (Common Ground) | Common Ground Free Store, 193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-3733 | Free clothing, shoes, housewares, diapers and prepared meals. Not able to serve Franklin County residents. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Free Store + free prepared meal (Common Ground) | Common Ground Free Store, 193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-3733 | Free clothing, shoes, housewares, diapers and prepared meals. Not able to serve Franklin County residents. |
| 5:00 p.m. (brochure lists 5–6:30 p.m.) | Free community meal (Newstart Church / Highpoint) (3rd Wednesdays) | Newstart Church, 795 Pollock Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-363-1754 | ||
| Thursday | 5:00–5:30 p.m. | Free carry-out meal – “Winter Street Diner” (First Presbyterian) (4th Thursdays) | First Presbyterian Church (back doors), 73 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-363-1205 | No sign-up needed; everyone welcome. |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Free carry-out community dinner (Andrews House) (3rd Thursdays) | Andrews House, 39 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-4520 | Carry-out only. Brochure says call ahead to order. | |
| 6–8 p.m. | Free Store + free prepared meal (Common Ground) | Common Ground Free Store, 193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-3733 | Free clothing, shoes, housewares, diapers and prepared meals. Not able to serve Franklin County residents. | |
| Friday | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Free carry-out community dinner (Andrews House) (2nd Fridays) | Andrews House, 39 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-4520 | Carry-out only. Brochure says call ahead to order. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m.–noon | Free Store + free prepared meal (Common Ground) | Common Ground Free Store, 193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-369-3733 | Free clothing, shoes, housewares, diapers and prepared meals. Not able to serve Franklin County residents. |
| Sunday | 5:00–5:30 p.m. | Free carry-out meal – “Winter Street Diner” (First Presbyterian) (2nd Sundays) | First Presbyterian Church (back doors), 73 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · 740-363-1205 | No sign-up needed; everyone welcome. |
Updated Oct 16, 2026. Schedules change around holidays — call ahead.
More: the Delaware County Hunger Alliance Community Meals map. Older adults (55+): SourcePoint’s Café 55 serves lunch weekdays 11–1:30 at 800 Cheshire Rd. — call 740-363-6677 about cost and signup. School-year weekend food bags for Delaware City Schools students are run through People In Need; ask your child’s guidance counselor.
138 Johnson Dr, Delaware, OH 43015
Largest pantry in the county. Drive-thru, no appointment: bring a photo ID and have a Delaware County address; groceries once a week. Open Mon & Wed 9–noon and 1–4:30; Fri 9–noon and 1–3 (the last Wednesday afternoon each month is the Produce Market). Also eviction prevention, utility help and school shoes — ask. Seniors 60+ can apply for the CSFP commodity box.
211 · 1-800-684-2324 · text HELPLINE to 898211
24/7 information and referral for Delaware, Morrow, and Union counties, in more than 180 languages. Specialists can point you to food, utilities, housing, and other health/human services. Office: 118 Stover Dr., Suite B, Delaware (business line 740-363-1835).
193 E. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015 (donation center: 147 E. Winter St.)
Everything is free: clothing, shoes, housewares, toys, diapers and prepared meals. Mon 10–1 & 6–8 p.m.; Tue 6–8 p.m.; Wed 10–1; Thu 6–8 p.m.; Sat 10–noon. (No meal at Monday 10–1.) They can’t serve Franklin County residents.
89 Cheshire St., Delaware, OH 43015
Pantry is by appointment: Mon, Tue & Thu 1–4 p.m. Office hours Mon–Fri 9–4:30. Rent/utility help is seasonal and income-based (apply via SAHelp.me).
Sources: People In Need, Common Ground, Salvation Army, Andrews House, Delaware County Hunger Alliance pantry map, and the HelpLine brochure (rev. 3/5/2026). The Hunger Alliance map and brochure sometimes differ; where they do, we say so.
Upcoming free meals, grocery distributions, clothing and household help, free clinics, legal advice and support groups — built from the recurring schedules above, with past dates hidden automatically. Filter by type.
Loading calendar…
If you need a bed tonight, call 211 or 1-800-684-2324 first — HelpLine knows what has room. For domestic violence, call a hotline in the Help now box (shelter addresses are confidential).
740-362-7817 (ext. 1)
39 N. Washington St., Delaware, OH 43015
24-hour emergency shelter and rapid-rehousing referral center for families with children experiencing homelessness, plus prevention, mentoring and referrals to job training, health care and child care.
Zion United Church of Christ, 51 W. Central Ave. (corner of Franklin St.), Delaware
For single men experiencing homelessness. Opens only when the forecast is 20°F or below. Check-in 8–10 p.m.; guests may stay until 8 a.m. Call 211 to confirm it is open. Run with Andrews House (740-369-4520).
89 Cheshire St., Delaware, OH 43015
Emergency assistance and housing help. Direct housing referrals go through HelpLine (1-800-684-2324). Human trafficking hotline: 740-363-9487 / 1-888-373-7888.
Local public housing / housing-choice resources for qualifying households. Ask about waitlists, applications, and current openings. See also our Housing page for renter rights and legal aid.
15 N. Franklin St., Delaware, OH 43015 (mail: PO Box 319)
Community resource navigation. The center’s walk-in hours were listed as “temporarily closed” on the United Way diaper-bank page (Oct. 2026), so call before visiting. (Older listing: 74 W. William St.)
Del-Mor Dwellings — affordable housing for people with disabilities (scattered homes and apartments), 118 Stover Dr., Suite A, Delaware, 740-363-5562. Source: Delaware-Morrow board Network of Care.
The Delaware County Reentry Coalition links people returning home to food, transportation, work and training, ID and birth-certificate help, counseling, treatment and legal help. It is coordinated through Southeast Healthcare — 740-856-0145 (per the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation & Correction coalition list, Feb. 2026; call to confirm). The Sheriff’s Office also publishes a pocket resource guide (2024 edition). Reentry help is also available at your OhioMeansJobs center.
4920 State Route 37 East, Delaware, OH 43015
Adoptions, lost cats help, and low-cost services. Shelter hours: Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat 11–5, Thu 11–6, closed Sunday (adoptions stop 30 minutes before closing).
4781 County Home Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 (the Humane Society’s page shows “4718” — check your map app or call)
The county’s central holding facility for stray and lost dogs; the Humane Society cannot hold strays and transfers them here. Hours: call ahead. Dog licenses are sold year-round (Delaware County Auditor, 740-833-2900).
Turning Point offers emergency housing for shelter residents’ dogs and cats at its Delaware County shelter — ask the hotline, 800-232-6505.
40 S. Franklin St., Delaware, OH 43015
Free medical care for uninsured and underinsured adults. Walk-in: Mon 9–11:30 a.m.; Wed 5:30–8 p.m.; 1st & 3rd Thu 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings are appointment-only (chronic-disease and specialty care). Closed the 5th week of every month. Ask about dental availability.
1001 W. Cherry St., Sunbury, OH 43074
Free clinic 1st & 3rd Mondays, 5–7 p.m. Appointments required. (Source: HelpLine brochure.)
470 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015
Immunization clinic (740-203-2040), WIC, child car seats (740-203-2083), and birth & death certificates (Vital Statistics, Mon–Fri 8–5, email; birth certificate $25). A resource sheet for uninsured residents is on their site.
Mental health care: see Support groups. Medicaid applications: Delaware County JFS or 1-844-640-6446.
555 Sunbury Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 · Mon–Thu 8–4:30, closed Fridays
Home Energy Assistance Program: a one-time payment toward heating/cooling bills for households at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. Appointment needed; bring 30 days of income proof, Social Security numbers and citizenship proof for everyone in the home, birth dates, current utility bills, and your landlord’s name, address and phone if you rent. Bridges can also explain PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) for gas and electric.
Seasonal (roughly February–April).
740-833-2300 · statewide 1-844-640-6446
145 N. Union St., 2nd Floor, Delaware, OH 43015
Mon–Fri 8–4:15 (call center 8–4). Publicly funded child-care assistance: childcare-delaware@jfs.ohio.gov. Medicaid applications by phone Mon–Fri 8–11 a.m. at 1-844-640-6446. Children’s Protective Services & Adult Protective Services: 740-833-2340.
740-363-6677 · in-home care 1-800-994-2255
800 Cheshire Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 · Mon–Thu 8–8, Fri 8–5, Sat 8–noon
Services for Delaware County residents 55+ and caregivers: in-home care, enrichment center, nutrition and meals, resource navigation. Home repair for older adults: Bridges, 740-369-3184. Medicare questions: 1-800-633-4227.
Historic Courthouse (ground floor), 91 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015
In-person Mon–Fri 8–4:30; phones 7–5. Benefits help and emergency financial assistance for eligible veterans and families. Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, press 1.
Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities: 740-201-3600. Alpha Community Services & Industries (employment and day services): 740-368-5820 / 740-368-5810. Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation: 614-466-4575. Delaware Speech & Hearing: 740-369-3650. Deaf/hard of hearing HelpLine access: 711 or 1-800-750-0750.
Statewide line often used for SNAP and related benefits questions. Delaware County Job & Family Services (above) can also help locally.
Countywide demand-response rides Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Schedule by noon the business day before (up to two weeks ahead); subject to availability. Fares are mileage-based: $8 (0–10 miles), $17 (10–20), $29 (over 20). Greyhound (Columbus or Marion): 1-800-231-2222.
84 E. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015 · Mon–Thu 9–9, Fri 9–6, Sat 9–5, Sun 1–5
Public computers with free internet for cardholders and guests (guest pass). Free Wi-Fi at every branch, usable up to 1,000 feet outside, no password. Library-card holders get $3 of free printing per day; free faxing; mobile hotspots to borrow. Details
Lifeline (federal) takes up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet or a bundle for households on SNAP, Medicaid and certain other programs or with income at or below 135% of poverty. Apply at lifelinesupport.org or through a participating provider. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 and doesn’t transfer automatically.
Birth certificates (Ohio-born): Delaware Public Health District Vital Statistics, 470 S. Sandusky St., 740-368-1700 (press 2), $25. Driver licenses, state IDs and plates: the Deputy Registrar in Local offices below. Reentry coalition and Andrews House can help with ID costs and steps — ask.
Free: Common Ground Free Store (housewares). Low-cost: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1161 Columbus Pike, Delaware, 740-363-9950, Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 11–5 (free donation pickup). Goodwill (Columbus Pike): 740-362-5541.
Connections Volunteer Center: 740-363-5000. Agencies that accept donations are listed by HelpLine (helplinedelmor.org/211-2). Andrews House: 740-369-4520.
Driver licenses, ID cards, plates & registration. Driver exam station and the county title office share the building.
Transfer an out-of-state title here before registering the vehicle. Second office: 8647 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center · (740) 657-3945 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30.
Run by Main Street Delaware: downtown maps, event info, and local tips. Also 1-888-DEL-OHIO (Visit Del Ohio).
Verified Oct 10, 2026 from the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety, Delaware County Clerk of Courts, and Main Street Delaware. Holiday hours vary — call before you go.
Del’s reminder: save 211 and 911 in your phone when you arrive. This list is a starting point, not a complete directory, and it is not medical or legal advice.