We are deeply disappointed at the lack of dignity, care, and respect demonstrated by Mayor Carney’s Administration in response to the rising number of people experiencing homelessness in Wilmington who, due to his policies, have been relegated to Christina Park. A city park is not suitable to house people. Both housed and unhoused community members deserve better. 

Everyday, hard working people lose their housing due to unaffordable rents, property taxes and utilities.  When an individual or family loses their housing, there is no guarantee they will be able to find a shelter bed. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count showed 636 people experiencing homelessness in Wilmington, which is likely an undercount. McKinney-Vento data show that there are 2,113 students experiencing homelessness in the school districts and charters serving Wilmington. Yet, there are only 908 year-round shelter beds in New Castle County, not enough to accommodate everyone who needs housing. 

As individuals running for elected office, we are clear in our duty to serve and represent the needs of the people.  We are deeply concerned about the current approach taken by some state and local elected officials representing Wilmington and the surrounding areas of New Castle County, particularly the lack of demonstrated political will to use policy and public resources to directly address homelessness. In solidarity with the residents of Christina Park, we oppose the removal of unhoused individuals’ personal belongings and the practice of requiring them to downsize into city-provided tents under the threat of arrest or displacement from the park. 

Mayor Carney expressed during a press conference that his administration’s approach to homelessness is about being “intentional, transparent, and accountable.” It’s clear that this is not happening. As people that are housed, we do not have a right to tell those sleeping outside what type of tent or arrangement is adequate for their daily living needs. We should be listening to the residents about their needs instead of erroneously assuming a “one size fits all” approach. 

We ask for your administration’s accountability by respecting and listening to residents’ needs regarding day-to-day living conditions. Your administration can start by meeting directly with Christina Park residents, service providers and advocates to obtain and implement their ideas and solutions. 

Wilmington residents deserve better. Collaboratively and compassionately we can humanely serve the needs of our unhoused population while also respecting the rights and wishes of the surrounding Christina Park community. 

Signed: 

• Adriana Lee Bohm, Candidate for State Senate District 1
• Pamela Salaam, Candidate for State House Representative District 16
• Shanè Nicole Darby, Wilmington City Councilmember District 2 & Candidate for State Representative District 1 
• Jason Hoover, Candidate for New Castle County Council District 4
• Shay Frisby, Candidate for State Senate District 5
• Kira Alejandro, Candidate for New Castle County Council District 3
• Rachel “Rae” Krantz, Candidate for State House Representative District 6
• North Wilmington
• Kyle Grantham, Candidate for New Castle County Council District 3
• Chris Beardsley, Candidate for State Senate District 14
• Will Imbrie-Moore, Candidate for State House Representative District 19