Delay the Closure of Christina Park Until Every Resident Has Safe Housing
The Issue
On June 15, 2026, Wilmington plans to close Christina Park, the city's only officially sanctioned homeless encampment. Residents have been informed that they must leave the site, and overnight camping will no longer be permitted.
For many of the men and women living at Christina Park, this encampment is more than a campsite,it is the closest thing they have to stability. While everyone agrees that permanent housing is the goal, closing the encampment before adequate alternatives are available could leave vulnerable individuals with nowhere to go.
As community members, faith leaders, outreach volunteers, and concerned citizens, we recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassionate, practical solutions. Simply moving people from one location to another without sufficient shelter, housing, and support services does not solve homelessness—it can make it worse.
Many residents of Christina Park face barriers that make securing immediate housing difficult, including limited income, disabilities, health challenges, lack of transportation, and long waiting lists for affordable housing. A sudden closure risks disrupting connections to outreach workers, healthcare providers, employment opportunities, and support networks that residents rely on.
We are asking Wilmington officials to work collaboratively with residents, service providers, faith communities, and advocates to create a humane transition plan that prioritizes safety, dignity, and housing stability.
We Call on Wilmington Officials to:
Delay the closure of Christina Park until adequate shelter and housing options are available for all affected residents.
Publish a clear and transparent transition plan.
Expand emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing resources.
Engage directly with residents and service providers before implementing displacement measures.
Ensure that no resident is left without access to a safe place to stay as a result of the closure.
Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and a fair opportunity to secure stable housing. We urge Wilmington leaders to place people first and ensure that no one is left behind during this transition.
Sign this petition to support a humane and responsible plan for Christina Park residents.
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The Issue
On June 15, 2026, Wilmington plans to close Christina Park, the city's only officially sanctioned homeless encampment. Residents have been informed that they must leave the site, and overnight camping will no longer be permitted.
For many of the men and women living at Christina Park, this encampment is more than a campsite,it is the closest thing they have to stability. While everyone agrees that permanent housing is the goal, closing the encampment before adequate alternatives are available could leave vulnerable individuals with nowhere to go.
As community members, faith leaders, outreach volunteers, and concerned citizens, we recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassionate, practical solutions. Simply moving people from one location to another without sufficient shelter, housing, and support services does not solve homelessness—it can make it worse.
Many residents of Christina Park face barriers that make securing immediate housing difficult, including limited income, disabilities, health challenges, lack of transportation, and long waiting lists for affordable housing. A sudden closure risks disrupting connections to outreach workers, healthcare providers, employment opportunities, and support networks that residents rely on.
We are asking Wilmington officials to work collaboratively with residents, service providers, faith communities, and advocates to create a humane transition plan that prioritizes safety, dignity, and housing stability.
We Call on Wilmington Officials to:
Delay the closure of Christina Park until adequate shelter and housing options are available for all affected residents.
Publish a clear and transparent transition plan.
Expand emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing resources.
Engage directly with residents and service providers before implementing displacement measures.
Ensure that no resident is left without access to a safe place to stay as a result of the closure.
Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and a fair opportunity to secure stable housing. We urge Wilmington leaders to place people first and ensure that no one is left behind during this transition.
Sign this petition to support a humane and responsible plan for Christina Park residents.
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Petition created on May 31, 2026