Halfway House for Sex Offenders in Residential Area; Raises Concerns for Neighbors

WILMINGTON -- A halfway house for sex offenders is raising some concerns for neighbors. The All Family Recovery House, funded by the Department of Public Safety, is located in a residential area near downtown Wilmington.

Neighbor Gina Moore, who has five children, said it's very concerning.

"That house, it draws concern because I have small children, I have big kids. I have...I have a numerous amount, you know, of ages," said Moore. 
 
The All Family Recovery House is a 60 day, transitional living facility for sex offenders from across the state. New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David worries the house may give offenders an opportunity to return to criminal behavior.

"You don't drop registered sex offenders into a neighborhood of school children and expect that to succeed. We should have that in an industrial park or some place that's distant from these children, particularly ones that don't have a great support network around for themselves. Many of them are latchkey kids, they don't have fathers in the home. That's exactly what a predator looks for," said David.

LINC, Inc. is a non-profit organization in Wilmington that provides shelter and services for those returning from prison.

LINC, Inc. Executive Director Frankie Roberts said, "Once they come out they shouldn't continue to be punished. I think it's necessary for individuals to be able to live like they used to live prior to their incarceration."

David said he's concerned about where the residents will go once they leave the program.

"Some of them have even become homeless in the time since they've left. That's very hard to monitor and makes for a dangerous situation," said David.

As for Moore, she's doing all she can to keep her kids safe.

"My thing is, I don't want them to come out by themselves. I have to be out here or somebody has to be out here with the kids," said Moore.

Officials with the Department of Public Safety said there's been at least 29 sex offenders who have transitioned through the house since the contract with the state began in November.