Statement from the Office of the Mayor on Christina Park

WILMINGTON - This morning, with the support of Friendship House and community volunteers, the City of Wilmington began distributing wood pallets, new tents, and cots to the unhoused community at Christina Park.

This new set up was determined with one goal in mind: to support order and safety for everyone at the park, particularly to allow emergency personnel to more easily locate and assist folks in need.

Residents of the park are being asked to consolidate their belongings into their City-issued tents, with the exception of one bike and one chair which may remain outside. This is intended to directly combat concerns that our office has received around trash accumulation, hoarding, and pests at the park. Friendship House will continue to coordinate the donation of food, clothing, blankets, and other essential items. Shower and laundry services are expected to begin at the park later this month.

This site has always been intended to be a temporary solution as folks move toward treatment and more stable housing. Wilmington Police Department officers visit the park multiple times per week to offer folks the opportunity for support and placement elsewhere. With the support of Partners in Care, officers are on-site to help connect anyone unwilling to camp within the designated area and use City-issued tents with other resources. No park residents have been arrested, and it is not our hope nor expectation that this will be the case.

Mayor Carney maintains that addressing and supporting Wilmington's homeless population requires an approach that balances compassion for the unhoused with respect for the rights of other Wilmington residents. Each member of our unhoused community faces unique, nuanced challenges, and we will continue to work with Friendship House, the State of Delaware, City departments, and the community as a whole to evaluate and meet changing needs.

While the City unequivocally respects everyone's First Amendment rights, we are disappointed that protestor demonstrations present at the park today ultimately delayed getting tents, cots, and pallets to park residents. We are grateful for the hard work and patience of the volunteers who assisted with set up.