More than two months after winter emergency shelters for the homeless closed, a plan to reopen a warm-weather encampment near Lewes took a crucial step forward May 7, when a county commission backed a conditional use for the site.  

The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the encampment at the site of the former Delaware State Police Troop 7 barracks off Route 1. The project now goes to Sussex County Council for a final decision.

Tharros Village, operated by Code Purple at the Cape, opened on a trial basis last fall. The site closed when winter shelters opened. The state is requiring organizers to obtain county approvals to reopen on the 7-acre wooded site that had been vacant since state police relocated to a new barracks on Mulberry Knoll Road in 2019.

No opposition to Tharros Village was offered during the April 16 commission public hearing, after which commissioners enthusiastically expressed their support. Some reiterated that sentiment as they voted in support of the conditional use May 7.

“I would like to add, I hope it gets through all of the process and I look forward to great results,” said Commissioner Holly Wingate after voting in favor of the project.

Commissioner  J. Bruce Mears said he agreed with Wingate.

“I vote yes for the reasons and conditions stated in the motion and look forward to a successful report next year,” Commissioner Gregory Scott Collins said.

“We're over the top with excitement,” said Mike Agnew of Code Purple May 9.

Tharros Village organizers are working with state officials to finalize an agreement for use of the property and are preparing to open the shelter, which will have 28 tents for 28 adults. A discussion was held May 8 with representatives of Beebe Healthcare, First State Community Action Agency, state police and the state, Agnew said.

The recommendation by the planning & zoning commission acknowledges the need for providing housing for the homeless. 

In 2017 and 2018, when the county comprehensive plan was drafted, there were an estimated 1,000 homeless in the county, with many of them sleeping in shelters or on the street, the commission noted. The number has since increased.

The comprehensive plan recommends the county work with nonprofits and other groups to reduce homelessness.

Rules were also established for the camp, such as security lighting, supervision, sanitary facilities, screening from neighboring properties and cleanliness of grounds. The camp will open no earlier than March 1 and close by Nov. 30. 

Last fall, residents were required to participate in case management, which connects them to services that may improve their lives. When the camp reopens, there will be a new employment requirement, paid or volunteer work, Agnew said.

A report must be submitted to the commission and county council by Feb. 1, including verified data on the number of residents, success rate for residents finding permanent housing, and the number of EMS and police calls to the site during its operation, according to the plan backed May 7.

After the winter shelters closed, people who are homeless returned to makeshift tents in wooded areas nearby, said Agnew. They are looking forward to returning to the structured encampment, he said.

“The woods are building with anticipation,” Agnew said.