Why Should Delaware Care?
Spotlight Delaware’s Breaking Bread Tour, launched this year, gives residents a chance to speak directly about issues affecting their communities. By bringing neighbors together around the same table, the discussion is meant to allow residents to highlight concerns that might not always appear in local government meetings or policy debates.
Nearly two dozen residents gathered in a Dover community center last Tuesday, dining on pasta and garlic knots while discussing what they felt were the city’s most pressing issues.
Their conversations spanned a variety of both local and national issues, such as homelessness, gentrification, and the criminal justice system. Some also spoke about the importance of individuals connecting with their community.
The event, hosted by Spotlight Delaware as the final session of its “Breaking Bread” tour, took place at the Inner City Cultural League in Dover, less than a mile away from Legislative Hall.
Homelessness has become a controversial topic across the state in recent months. In Dover, city leaders have attempted to push forward proposals meant to ban panhandling within the city. They also have targeted the People’s Church Community Center, a homeless shelter that had requested $47,000 in city funds to be spent on workforce development programs at the shelter.
During last week’s dinner, some residents questioned how the city is actually helping its homeless population. One resident described her concerns that wages remain at the same rate despite the rising cost of rent, electricity, and other utilities.
Another said they do not believe other Delawareans are “making the connection” between homelessness and an inability to afford rent prices.
One table attempted to focus on solutions, speaking about ways to improve Dover without displacing people. They spoke about initiatives like empowering people by providing jobs and new youth initiatives for those experiencing homelessness.
Another table spoke about wanting to feel more connected as a community. Despite living in Delaware’s capital, some said most connections and events are held in Wilmington – the state’s largest city.
In response to those concerns, one resident said those living in Dover must find events like Breaking Bread and stay in touch afterward to build their own community.
Separately, another table spoke about criminal justice issues in the state. A few individuals spoke about charge stacking, which occurs when law enforcement agencies file multiple charges against a person stemming from a single incident.
Participants ultimately tied charge stacking back to homelessness, stating that the practice can prevent individuals from obtaining a job with their criminal record, thus preventing them from supporting their families.
One resident called the connection between charge stacking and homelessness a “never-ending cycle.”
