Latest news with #WilmingtonCityCouncil
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Free furniture, home essentials offered to Wilmington families in need
A couch, a bed, a kitchen table — basic items many take for granted — are often missing when some Delaware families first move into housing. A new Wilmington-based initiative is working to change that. The Foundation Project, launched by Wilmington City Council member and business owner Alexander Hackett, provides free furniture and household essentials to first-time renters, homebuyers, seniors and residents receiving housing assistance. The goal is to help families build a stable foundation once they've moved into the home. Since its soft launch in June, Hackett says the program has already served more than 75 families with items like sofas, beds, dressers and nightstands. What began with deliveries from trucks and cars is now moving to a publicly accessible location. The Foundation Project will open its new hub inside the Wilmington Public Library's Dickinson Room at 10 E. 10th St. While large item deliveries will continue, residents will also be able to browse in person. HERE TO HELP: These Delaware programs bring essential resources directly to residents in need Available items range from electronics like Echo Dot smart speakers and Ring cameras to everyday essentials like soap, laundry detergent and deodorant. Both new and gently used furniture—like couches, beds, and tables—will be available, as well as kitchenware. The effort is supported by partnerships with local businesses and organizations, allowing the program, through its parent organization Community Cares, to distribute an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in goods back into the community, Hackett said. But the initiative goes beyond material support. Hackett says the mission is about creating long-term stability. 'The first step is getting the housing,' he said. 'We want to continue to be part of the support system that helps build the foundation for our families in the state of Delaware.' The grand opening for the Foundation Project is set for June 21, with regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hackett encourages qualifying residents to visit the Foundation Project's new location and take advantage of the resources available. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Free home goods project helps low-income Wilmington residents in need
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wilmington City Council member running for state House representative in 2026
A Wilmington City Council member is running for a promotion in September's primary. Shané Darby represents North Wilmington and the Triangle Neighborhood. She said is running in the Democratic primary in 2026 for state House representative for District 1, which encompasses much of north Wilmington. She is getting quite a head start. The primary is almost a year and a half away, so there is not a way for Darby to officially file yet, the state Department of Elections said. The Democratic Party has not set its filing fees for 2026, and there is no set date for the primary either. Darby is in her fifth year on the City Council and, during that time, has fought for housing and criminal justice reform. Her most recent legislation is calling for rent stabilization for some homes and apartments in the city. She is also the founder of Black Mothers in Power, a nonprofit organization that offers support and political advocacy for Black mothers in Delaware. DARBY'S HOUSING LEGISLATION Can Wilmington become America's next rent-stabilized city? She wants to be a voice for Wilmington in Dover and strengthen the relationship between the state government and its largest city. If elected, she said she would put her experience with Black Mothers in Power to good use by advocating for statewide health care reform and wants to fight for education changes in the city. "Wilmington needs a voice," she said. "We don't have a voice at the table." She is running against state House Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, who has been the district's representative since 2018. He has been an advocate for education and housing reform in the city. This is Darby's second campaign for the seat. In 2022, she lost the primary to Chukwuocha by only 90 votes. She said this campaign will be more deliberate because her last one was a little rushed. She said she didn't get out into areas like Trolley Square as much as she should have. "It was like, 'Oh, let's run, let's hit where we know,'" she said. "Now that I came out this early, it has given me time to be strategic and intentional and to really unapologetically talk about some of the things that I think is important as being a state representative." Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington City Council member running for a seat in Dover in 2026
