A few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves thrust into the challenging world of homelessness. We experienced firsthand the desperation and uncertainty that comes when you don't have a place to call your own. We were eventually able to leave behind our 200 sq. ft. hotel room when we found a compassionate landlord who offered us an affordable place to live in Wilmington. It was a lifeline that we desperately needed and one that should be accessible to everyone. 

The sale of Concord Mall presents an unprecedented opportunity to address the local housing crisis, particularly the need for affordable housing in our community. Abrams Realty and Development has already expressed a desire to demolish and redevelop with housing such as town homes, apartments, and shopping to create a community center and living experience. With rental rates continuing to skyrocket, more families face the brutal reality of housing insecurity. The possibility for Abrams Realty and Development to transform portions of the Concord Mall into affordable housing units as opposed to another luxury living community would be nothing short of transformational for many families.

In doing so, Abrams Realty at the Concord Mall wouldn’t just be a part of the community’s physical landscape—they could be a beacon of hope for hard-working individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.

There's a clear demand for more affordable housing. For example, our own Mayor John Carney and the City's Task Force on Homelessness set up (what they hope is) a temporary homeless encampment in Christina Park late 2025. Think of how this Concord Mall space could assist so many lives to go from surviving to thriving. Affordable housing projects reduce homelessness rates, boost local economies by increasing disposable income, and foster more stable and robust communities. The majority of people are saying we need to bring more money into our state. Why don't we start with providing affordable housing right here for Delawareans, meeting our basic living needs, to have that disposable income to put back into the state's economy? Delaware state needs to invest in its own people first and foremost.

We have the chance to set a benchmark in redevelopment projects that prioritize people over profits without sacrificing quality or financial return. By partnering with the city and other relevant stakeholders, Abrams Realty could ensure that these housing units are both well-integrated and beneficial to the broader redevelopment goals of the Concord Mall.

Let's not let this chance slip past. By planning for and integrating affordable housing, Abrams Realty can lay the groundwork for a thriving, harmonious community where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Join me in calling on Abrams Realty and Development and New Castle County Councilwoman Dee Durham to take decisive action for a fairer housing landscape. Sign this petition to make our voices heard and translate this opportunity into a tangible, equitable reality for all. Every signature will bring us closer to seeing real change. Let's insist on affordable housing at Concord Mall, a future our community deserves.