This is the Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Tuesday November 11, 2025.

Happy Veterans Day!

The temperature dropped to the freezing point last night.  Most of us are safe and snug inside with warm rooms and warm food.  But there are some in our community that for one reason or another are facing a night outside and going with nourishment that can only be scrounged from the trash cans of Wilmington.

Last year, the Reuel and Nikki Show had an hour long podcast with the director of The Good Shepherd Center – one of the major homeless programs in our area.  We received push back from that show – mainly because the board members of Good Shepherd could be considered Left of center in their politics.  How could we possibly showcase such a group?

Last night, the Good Shepherd Center fed and housed 118 men, women and families who had nowhere else to go to escape the cold.  At the same time, they provide transition – or Bridge – housing  to up to 16 homeless veterans.  And – still at the same time – they are ramping up their food kitchens, day shelter, education services and other programs to help get people off the streets – permanently and with dignity.  While they do get some monies in grants from the government – about 80% of the Good Shepherd budget comes from private donations and funding. 

While we must have some serious discussions about the cause and solution of homelessness – from temporary lack of job to mental disease to drug use to just plain irresponsible behaviors – the fact of the matter is that right now, right here, men and women and children need a place to go. 

The Good Shepherd Center, the new Salvation Army Center of Hope, and other non-governmental services are standing up to meet those needs. As we go into a season of giving and cheer, please consider a gift of any amount to help these organizations continue their ministries. 

Who cares who they voted for.

For the Wilmington Standard, I’m Reuel Sample.  Thanks for listening.