The mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, John Carney, has accused Philadelphia of “solving” its own homelessness crisis by busing its homeless population to his city.
Mayor Carney is attributing part of his city’s rising homelessness crisis to nearby jurisdictions, particularly Philadelphia, which he says have been sending homeless residents to Wilmington through publicly funded travel programs.
Carney announced new measures last week to address the growing issue, including designating Christina Park as a sanctioned sleeping area for unhoused individuals.
During the press conference, the mayor said Wilmington is absorbing an influx from other cities and states that have been relocating their homeless populations.
“It’s just not right for these other places, cities, and towns to send their folks to Wilmington,” Carney said.
“The constant influx from other cities and towns makes it harder for us to care for the population here, and most importantly, it’s unfair to the city residents who live in these neighborhoods.”
Carney specifically pointed to Philadelphia’s Stranded Traveler Assistance program as a significant contributor.
The program provides taxpayer-funded bus tickets to any city in the country.
When asked for comment, Carney’s office told reporters that the mayor’s remarks were based on information the city had received.
Letter to Philadelphia Mayor Raised Concerns Months Earlier
Carney previously raised concerns directly with Philadelphia leadership.
In May, he wrote to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker regarding the Kensington Community Revival Program.
Parker’s plan sought to dismantle the city’s well-known open-air drug market.
According to 6ABC, Carney wrote:
“Since the start of the Kensington Community Revival Program, we have observed a dramatic increase of individuals experiencing homelessness within our borders.”
Data reported by NBC Philadelphia shows the Stranded Traveler Assistance program funded 875 trips to 276 U.S. cities between 2021 and 2025.
Fourteen of those trips went to Delaware, including eight to Wilmington.
Policy Backdrop
Carney’s remarks come months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing cities and states to relocate homeless individuals into rehabilitation, treatment, and other care facilities.
Trump’s order was part of a broader effort to address public-safety and health concerns in urban areas.
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