Living Hope faces pushback
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The saga surrounding the proposed relocation of the Living Hope Day Center is far from over.
As the organization searches for a new location, Living Hope leaders say they are facing growing pressure surrounding the center and its operations.
Living Hope CEO Tony Perez and his wife, Christine Perez, received an anonymous letter signed “Local Resident” that said the writer would keep a close eye on the center’s operations and the people coming in and out of the facility.
The letter comes after Living Hope abandoned plans last week to move its operations to the former Sorrow Drowner property at 10th and Dock streets.
The decision followed strong opposition from residents who spoke out during a Wilmington City Council meeting.
In a Facebook post, Living Hope said it would not be intimidated by the backlash and pushed back against what it described as efforts to label the homeless community as the problem.
The organization said its search for a new location is continuing.
Living Hope also said the reaction to its proposed move highlights what it sees as a broader issue — the stigma and fear surrounding people experiencing homelessness.
