Facing neighborhood opposition, Living Hope Day Center has scrapped plans to establish a homeless day shelter near four Wilmington schools.
After weeks of backlash from residents, parents and school leaders, Living Hope announced it will not move forward with plans to purchase a building at 19 South 10th St. after all.
Living Hope reversed course on plans announced in August to buy the building that formerly housed The Sorrow Drowner, which was a tiki bar and entertainment venue, and convert it into a no-barrier daytime resource center for homeless people. The center had operated out of the First Baptist Church on Market Street since 2023, but needs a new location because that building is scheduled for renovations.
Why Living Hope changed course
In an Oct. 1 statement, the nonprofit
said concerns raised during the public debate helped leaders realize they had not fully understood the surrounding community when they pursued the site.
“We have learned from this experience,” the organization said. “We believe effective leadership means being willing to receive new information, evaluate it honestly, and, when necessary, have the courage to change direction.”
Living Hope said opposition was not the sole reason for abandoning the plan. However, the organization acknowledged that feedback from neighbors prompted questions about whether the location would allow homeless individuals to be treated with dignity and respect.
The group said it remains committed to finding a permanent home in Wilmington and will spend time to “listen, learn, seek wise counsel, and carefully evaluate what comes next.”
What neighbors said
One of the proposal’s most vocal critics was Patrick Sheehan, who lives next door to the property.
When trucks appeared outside the vacant building earlier this year, Sheehan thought a new business was moving in and walked over to introduce himself. Instead, he learned that site was being considered for a homeless day center.
Asked how he would characterize the neighborhood response, Sheehan replied: “Furious. We are beyond upset.”
Sheehan said residents were not opposed to helping people experiencing homelessness but believed Living Hope had not provided enough information about how the center would operate. Residents repeatedly requested details about staffing, security, transportation, funding and daily operations, he said. They also worried about the future of a neighborhood they say has spent years rebuilding itself.
When he and his wife moved to the area more than four years ago, Sheehan said the neighborhood was already benefiting from investments by residents, law enforcement and community groups.
“That specific neighborhood has come such a long way,” he said. “It’s been a complete turnaround.”
Sheehan said those efforts helped reduce crime and encouraged investment. “Many of us have significant dollars invested in our homes, and we don’t want to lose that equity,” he said.
Concern over school safety
The center’s proximity to nearby schools became another focal point of opposition.
During public comments before the Wilmington City Council on Sept. 22, resident Mary Pierce told council members four schools are located within about 500 yards of the site: New Hanover High School, Williston Middle School, the International School at Gregory and The School of Wonder.
“The safety of our kids should be a great concern,” she said.
Carrie Cruz, whose children attend The School of Wonder, noted the facility would be less than a block from the private elementary school and visible from its playground.
“Most importantly, what specific measures will be in place to maintain appropriate boundaries and a safe environment for the children who attend nearby schools and live in the area?” Cruz asked.
Michael Camps, speaking on behalf of The School of Wonder, said the school’s concerns centered on activity outside the facility.
“I don’t believe compassion for one vulnerable population requires us to ignore responsibility to another vulnerable population, which is our children,” he said.
New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Chris Barnes echoed those concerns, noting the site sits along routes used by students walking to nearby schools.
“We recognize the important work that the Living Hope Day Center is seeking to do,” Barnes said. “At the same time, as a school district, my responsibility is and will always be to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students.”
City officials emphasized throughout the debate that Living Hope’s proposal was not a city project. City Manager Becky Hawke said the nonprofit was pursuing the center independently and that the city was neither funding nor planning it.
Although the South 10th Street proposal has been abandoned, Living Hope said it remains committed to serving people experiencing homelessness and establishing a permanent day center in Wilmington.
“Our mission has not changed,” the organization said. “We will continue serving. We will continue praying. We will continue listening. And when the time is right, we will take the next step forward.”
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at RLiepa@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Group drops homeless shelter plans in Wilmington after public outcry
