Living Hope Day Center faces uncertain future in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WAWY) — One of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina’s key resources for people experiencing homelessness is facing an uncertain future as leaders warn of mounting challenges that could threaten its ability to continue operating.

The Living Hope Day Center says it is running out of time, space, and funding to keep its doors open, raising concerns about what comes next for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

On Wednesday, a line stretched around the corner outside the center as people waited for a hot meal — a routine scene for the organization. The meal, which included fried chicken and coleslaw, was provided by volunteers from AT&T.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the lives you’re touching and helping in a positive way,” said AT&T engineer Billy Winbourne.

But leaders say more support like that will be needed moving forward. Funding from the Wilmington Endowment has run out, and the center is also facing relocation.

“We’ve been hosted here by First Baptist Church for the last few years…but they’re getting ready to go through a major renovation, and that’s going to have us be displaced. So we’re actually only here through the end of July,” said co-founder and CEO Tony Perez.

That timeline is putting pressure on Perez and his wife and co-founder, Christine, as they search for a new space. They say most of the people they serve have been homeless for a year, lack transportation, and live in the downtown area.

“We need it downtown in the vicinity where our friends can walk,” said Christine Perez.

Finding a suitable location has proven difficult.

“We need about 4 to 6 to 8,000 square feet, and so without space, we just really can’t operate,” said Tony Perez.

For many who rely on the center, it offers more than just meals.

“I mean, this place is a, it’s a good safe place for us to hang out, you know, keeps us from being downtown in trouble,” said Chris Redman, a former construction worker who lost his job.

Volunteer Gregory Hoskins, who said he once struggled himself, now helps others and worries about the impact if the center closes.

“We’re going to continue to seek out ways to help them, but even if they feel downtrodden or feel rejected, just let them know they have a friend at Living Hope,” said Hoskins.

The center operates without many of the barriers seen at other shelters, such as requiring identification or background checks, making it a unique resource in the community.