Background

In early 2025, Mayor John Carney convened the City’s Task Force on Homelessness – a group of non-profit leaders, law enforcement officers, and other experts who work directly with the city’s unhoused population on a daily basis.

Over several months, the group hosted a series of public meetings and gathered input from the public and from unhoused residents. The Task Force’s work culminated in a final report of policy recommendations delivered to the Mayor for consideration.

In the fall, Mayor Carney hosted a press conference outlining the City’s first steps in addressing homelessness:

• Temporarily utilize Christina Park as a City-sanctioned unhoused community site. Encampments outside of Christina Park will not be permitted.
• Ensure that Christina Park is clean and secure and provide stand-alone public restroom facilities with 24/7 access to clean water.
• Open a new dining room at 600 4th Street in partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority and the Ministry of Caring.

Long term, the Carney Administration intends to build on progress already underway in affordable housing development, expand the 4th Street dining room location to house a day center, and evaluate changes to zoning classifications.

“I directed the task force to consider proposals that balance compassion for the challenges faced by unhoused individuals with the rights and expectations of the broader community. These solutions are not easy, and we have a lot of work to do. But this approach is about being intentional, transparent, and accountable.”

– Mayor John Carney

Our Progress to Date

Christina Park

About Christina Park
Christina Park has been established as a city-sanctioned unhoused community site in response to the growing street homeless population in Wilmington. The park is managed in partnership with Friendship House -- a non-profit organization responsible for daily oversight of the unhoused community site, including management of the following services and objectives:

• Implementation of site infrastructure including restroom facilities expected to arrive to the park in the coming months

• Cleaning and sanitation services

• Cold weather protocol in tandem with Code Purple

• Installation of safety stations and publicly posting the rules of decorum

• Services for the unhoused, including but not limited to, job training, housing, mental health, and substance use counseling

• Coordination of donations and food drop-offs

The park is the only site in the city designated for overnight camping in a public space. All tents are uniform, 10x10, and sit on a 20x20 plot. 

Occupants of the location are required to cooperate in case management services.

Inclement Weather Plan of Action:
Occupants of Christina Park should report to the Code Purple shelter. The on-site staff will provide the location of the shelter during each weather event. 

Donations and volunteers
Friendship House is coordinating donations and volunteers.  

Please refrain from taking donations directly to the park, as we want to maximize the support members of the community provide and prevent items and food from going to waste.   

Individuals and organizations seeking to provide donations and volunteers should reach out to volunteer@friendshiphousede.org

Christina Park FAQs

• What is the Christina Park Unhoused Community Site? 

The site is a temporary city-sanctioned unhoused site located at Christina Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The site is managed by the Friendship House.  

• Who qualifies to stay in Christina Park?  

The park is a low-barrier entry location. Only individuals currently unhoused in Wilmington are eligible for the site. No children are allowed at the site. 

• What services does the Unhoused Community Site provide?  

All individuals at the park will be required to cooperate with case management services. This will include housing navigation, mental health and substance use counseling, financial barrier coaching, etc.  

• How can I support the unhoused at Christina Park?  

Individuals and organizations can provide donations and volunteers. If you are interested in providing donations or volunteering, you can contact volunteer@friendshiphousede.org   

Donations cannot be taken to the park without coordinating with the Friendship House.  

• Who manages the Christina Park unhoused community site?  

The Friendship House manages the site as of January 2026. 

The site will provide a well-maintained environment prioritizing safety, public health, and access to supportive services. Friendship House and on-the-ground case managers will oversee day-to-day operations in coordination with City departments and community partners to connect individuals to pathways toward stability.

• How long will Christina Park be used for the unhoused community site project 

Christina Park is a temporary site. 

• Is the park open to the public?  

Only a portion of the park will be used for the unhoused community site. The piers and gazebos will still be open for public use. The baseball field and park will not be permitted for community events.  

• Can people stay at Christina Park indefinitely?  

People are only allowed to stay at the park while the location is officially city-designated.  

• Is Christina Park Clean? 

The City Department of Parks and Recreation will provide trash and pickup three times a week. Additionally, the full park will be cleaned at least bi-weekly by a third-party vendor.  

• Is the location safe?  

The Friendship House will provide on-site management and security cameras to monitor activity and to ensure the environment is safe. Wilmington Police Department will also provide roving foot patrols through the area based on location needs.  

Dining Room at 600 4th Street

In partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority and the Ministry of Caring, the City has opened a new dining room at 600 4th Street to provide regular meals and connections to supportive services.

The long-term vision for this site includes expanding its capacity to operate as a day center, offering additional resources such as case management and referrals to housing, healthcare, and employment services.

Long-Term Strategy

The City’s long-term work on homelessness focuses on:

• Supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing within the city.
• Exploring updates to zoning classifications that can support more flexible housing and service options.
• Strengthening coordination among City departments, nonprofit providers, and regional partners.

As projects move forward, this page will be updated with specific milestones and outcomes.

Resources and Partners

The City of Wilmington works closely with a range of partners to address homelessness, including:

• State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
• Wilmington Housing Authority
• Friendship House

Media questions should be directed to Caroline Klinger (cjklinger@wilmingtonde.gov) and Michael Webster (mike.webster@friendshiphousede.org)