At this critical time of uncertainty our focus needs to be on improving the quality of rental housing and importantly, avoiding harm to the most vulnerable Wilmington residents-- the low-income, Black and Brown tenants that often lack access to adequate and safe housing options.

At our H.O.M.E.S. Housing Justice Policy Agenda Kickoff, over 200 people came together to discuss Wilmington's housing crisis and sound policies needed to truly address it.

A bill to introduce civil fines of $250 per week for every code violation that is not fixed within 30 days in a rental property has the potential to further displace, harm and destabilize Wilmington neighborhoods.

Now is not the time to compound the COVID-19 health crisis by passing a law that would exacerbate an already fragile housing situation for too many Wilmington residents.

Instead, encourage your council member to support housing policies and practices that focus on increased transparency, increased oversight of Wilmington's rental properties, and ensure landlords follow the rental property licensing law.

We need comprehensive, collaborative and transformative approaches to secure housing as a human right! Urge your council member to not support this "reformed" Blight Bill.

The H.O.M.E.S. Campaign has proposed a set of policies to stabilize, invest, and protect Wilmington's residents and neighborhoods. Stand with H.O.M.ES. for housing justice in Wilmington!