The new Community House Men’s Shelter to be located on Homestead Road remains a hotly debated topic among the shelter’s soon-to-be-neighborhood. Citizens have complained about its proximity to a preschool and the possible decrease in property value.
However, compromises by the Inter-Faith Council, which will operate the new shelter, indicate a valiant effort to value the viewpoint of the community in designing its guidelines for the shelter.
At least three community discussion meetings were held last year in order for community members to voice their concerns. In total, about 300 people attended the meetings, said Chris Moran, executive director of the IFC.
As a result of the views expressed by the public, the IFC has made changes to the way the newest shelter will operate. The shelter staff will make sure the residents are both clean and sober.
There will also be a “no visitor” policy to keep people who do not qualify for the program away from the shelter and the surrounding community. In order to be eligible for the program, a prospective resident will need to be referred by an outside organization.
Moran said that the shelter is still planning the logistics of monitoring the sobriety of residents. It should solidify those soon.
However, with the requirement of a referral to enter the shelter, most residents will already be screened for addictions and other problems. The IFC seems to recognize the importance of a clean shelter to keeping the community happy.
Another point of contention was the policy of allowing more people to use the shelter when inclement weather occurs. The people who use the shelter during this time would not be have to be referred to use the shelter.
While a valid concern, this will only occur in extreme weather situations, when it is too cold or dangerous to be outside, and will only be used when absolutely necessary.
