Wilmington mayor tackles homelessness, blames other cities, including Philly, for influx

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Several tents and belongings consume Christina Park in Wilmington, Delaware, as the community space now becomes home to unhoused residents across the city. All other encampments are banned.

"We hope this will be temporary," said Wilmington Mayor John Carney as they develop a plan over the next two months.

Carney says they must address the surge in homelessness. He says many arrive from surrounding areas, including Kent and Sussex counties and Philadelphia.

"The homeless crisis has been here too long," said Cheryl Dayton from Wilmington.

In May, Carney sent a letter to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stating in part, "Since the start of the Kensington Community Revival Program, we have observed a dramatic increase of individuals experiencing homelessness within our borders."

He also asked Parker to re-evaluate her revitalization plan.

"The constant influx from other cities and towns makes it harder for us to care for the population here, and most importantly, it's unfair to the city residents who live in these neighborhoods," said Carney.

"We have enough crowdedness down here in Delaware for them to be coming from Philly, it's sad," said Vickie Miller from Wilmington.

Carney also blames Philadelphia's Stranded Traveler Assistance program, which gives unhoused people a one-way bus ticket to the city of their choice.

However, the Office of Homeless Services said in a statement:

"OHS confirms that the family or support service at the destination city is willing to accept responsibility for the participant's housing before purchasing bus fare for the individual or family."

At Christina Park, Carney plans to provide restrooms, clean water and security as well as a new dining area at the Wilmington Housing Authority.

"If we can't house them, at least give them a spot where they can be," said Dayton.

However, some worry the park will soon be full of crime.

"Kinda sad because families go there for picnics, BBQs, basketball, football. Now it's going to be shut off to us because of the homelessness," said Miller.

Carney says they'll determine if they need additional spots for unhoused residents while also working on long-term solutions.