Wilmington Homelessness Task Force Sends Final Recommendations to Mayor Carney’s Desk

WILMINGTON- The City of Wilmington's Homelessness Task Force has finalized its recommendations for Mayor John Carney, culminating several months of evaluating policies aimed at supporting the City's unhoused population.

"Addressing homelessness must start with compassion and balance that compassion with responsibility. We have an obligation to support the unhoused while respecting the rights of concerned residents and property owners," said Mayor Carney. "This group was convened to help us strike that critical balance, specifically with regard to our unhoused street population and to conduct an independent review of the best path forward."

Established by the Mayor in March of this year, the task force is comprised of subject matter experts who interact with Wilmington's unhoused population on a regular basis. The group is chaired by longtime public official, Claire DeMatteis, and consists of representatives from local non-profit organizations, the Wilmington Police Department, the Wilmington Housing Authority, and Wilmington City Council. The group also sought community input, dedicating a portion of its ten meetings to public comment, including the September 15 task force meeting, which was dedicated entirely to public comment.

"Our recommendations make clear that homelessness is not a crime, and the report maps out a balanced approach to providing additional shelter beds and housing opportunities, medical care, mental health, and other services to unhoused individuals, if a sustainable funding source can be identified and approved," said Claire DeMatteis. "The recommendations also reflect the fact that City property owners, business owners, renters, workers, and visitors have a right to expect orderly conduct, clean, safe, and sanitary conditions on City streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public property."

At its first meeting last May, task force members agreed unanimously to focus their recommendations on five areas:

• Establish a location in a City-owned park for a safe site for unhoused individuals

• Explore a tiny homes option

• Create additional day center(s) in partnership with local service providers

• Establish a personal item storage facility

• Explore affordable housing options

The final report can be found here [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]. Mayor Carney will review and respond to the task force's recommendations in the coming weeks.

###