Living Hope Day Center seeks new home as July closure nears

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Living Hope Day Center, a longtime resource for people experiencing homelessness in Wilmington, is scheduled to close at the end of July after losing funding and its current location. Organization leaders say they are working to secure a new home and continue providing services without interruption.

The day center has reduced operations from three days a week to one after losing funding and being forced to leave its current location because of construction.

Negotiations are underway to purchase the former Sorrow Drowner building on South 10th Street, which Living Hope hopes will become the organization’s permanent home.

Jeffrey Lofton says the day center played a major role in helping him rebuild his life.

“Without Living Hope, a lot of things in life I have now, I wouldn’t have,” said Lofton.

Lofton says the center provides much more than meals, helping people find housing, employment, and other necessities.

“They give anything that they can do to assist you. They’re finding work, housing, clothing, anything. Feed them three times a week, sometimes twice a day,” said Lofton.

Living Hope CEO and founder Tony Perez says the organization originally planned to lease a new space and had raised enough money to make that possible. When the opportunity to purchase a building became available, however, the financial need grew significantly.

“We had started a fundraiser that raised enough money to really help us with the idea of leasing a space, and we had money to move and do all the things, but when it became an opportunity to purchase, then became a bigger down payment, so we’re in the process of negotiating that out,” said Perez.

The organization has raised $125,000 so far. Perez says purchasing the property will require another large sum.

“It looks like we’re going to have to raise another $350,000,” said Perez.

While fundraising continues, Living Hope is also searching for a temporary location so there is no gap in services after the current site closes.

“We’re kind of calling about the local churches. If you have space, we absolutely need an interim spot because there’s going to be a gap, and we’re trying to find the right way to bridge that gap,” said Perez.

Perez says continuing the day center’s work benefits the entire community.

“When one part of the neighborhood struggles, the whole neighborhood struggles, and so when this place is active and working, it helps the entire community, not just the unhoused folks,” said Perez.

Lofton says he hopes the organization can continue serving others for years to come.

“I wish they could continue, and I hope they do, but it’s been a blessing.”

A link to the Living Hope Day Center’s GoFundMe campaign is available here.