Living Hope Day Center move raises neighbor concerns
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Living Hope Day Center could soon have a new home in Wilmington, but the proposed location is raising questions and concerns among some neighbors.
The center is considering purchasing the former Sorrow Drowner location at the corner of 10th and Dock streets after being forced to leave its space at First Baptist Church as the church undergoes renovations.
“It was heartbreaking news; we certainly weren’t expecting it,” Living Hope Day Center CEO Tony Perez said of learning the center would have to relocate.
Perez says the proposed location checks many of the boxes Living Hope was looking for, while acknowledging that moving into a new neighborhood could affect nearby residents.
“We certainly can’t be smack in the middle of residential, so finding the right balance between commercial space, residential space, that was really challenging, and honestly this location does a really good job of having a minimal impact. Now I know for the neighbors that are there, it’s going to still have an impact,” said Perez.
Perez said Living Hope wants to hear those concerns, including questions about how the center would manage people who rely on its services when its doors are closed, its proximity to New Hanover County schools, and concerns about panhandling.
“We want to have a public forum where the people in that community can come and hear from us, hear the heart behind why we do what we do, and how we do it especially, to alleviate some of those concerns,” said Perez.
Perez says there is not yet a set date or location for the community forum, but the center is already talking with potential locations to host it.
Some nearby business owners, like Isaac Bol of Coco Pipa on Castle Street, says he believes the center could be a positive addition to the community.
“If there’s a space for people who are houseless to have a place that’s a sanctuary, then it’s better than them being on the streets. If there are resources that are out there to help them, so the more we can do as a community to help each other, we think it’s a win for Wilmington,” said Bol.
Perez says the forum also could help address misconceptions about the center and its work.
“To break down a lot of misconceptions on what a shelter like ours is, and so, a public forum should help us to be able to kind of help break down some of those barriers,” said Perez.
Living Hope estimates it needs about $500,000 for down payments and moving costs. Perez said the center has already raised about $327,000 and is relying on support from local churches, individual donors and corporate sponsors to reach its goal.
