Lewes, DE — Camp Tharros, a state-approved temporary tent city designed for people experiencing homelessness, has delayed its return, leaving former residents without shelter. The camp, located along Route 1 on the site of the former Delaware State Police Troop 7 barracks, was initially set to reopen March 15. However, delays in securing county permits have stalled the process, even as Sussex County expedited requests for approval. Tharros was established last fall as a temporary housing solution for workers experiencing homelessness.
The camp housed 28 tents from October to November, before Code Purple’s winter shelters opened. Despite plans to reopen in mid-March, Tharros’ director, Mike Agnew, said the county approval process, which typically takes 18 to 24 months, has left a two-month gap with no immediate resolution. Agnew has noted a significant rise in the Lewes-area shelter population, with a 50% increase over the last year. He hopes that Tharros will become a permanent fixture, operating from spring through autumn.
Meanwhile, the residents, many of whom have returned to encampments, face unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Tharros had previously provided residents with essential services, including food, showers, and waste management, thanks to local community support. Agnew has sought an interim agreement to reopen the camp temporarily but has yet to hear back from state officials. He remains hopeful the situation will resolve soon, though residents are left to manage without the shelter and services Camp Tharros was designed to provide.
