By the way, ever notice how many people preface a sentence that ultimately attacks or criticizes the homeless in some way with; "I have nothing against the homeless"...?
Baltimore City residents plan to protest homeless shelter
» 6 hrs ago: Baltimore City residents plan to protest homeless shelter «
46 days ago: Extended shelter for the homeless opens in Howard
93 days ago: Homeless shelter’s move might stall city budget
113 days ago: Supervisor proposes standards for shelters
“We just found out about this yesterday, that really is not good enough,” Don Sherrod, president of Rognel Heights Community Association, said Tuesday, adding that a protest was planned for that night. “We’re going to lock arms in front of the school and stop people from coming.”
“They’ve known about this for months,” added Jean Hamilton, president of the Edgewood community association. “The community should have a say.”
The plan comes on the heels of the city shutting a downtown shelter on Fayette Street, which had been open for three months. About 150 homeless people will be transported from downtown to the high school, at 501 Athol Ave., every night for four months.
Addressing residents’ concerns about adequate permits for the shelter, he said the department has the right to waive such permits.
City officials said the temporary shelters have caused few problems. “In every location we’ve moved the temporary shelters, neighbors have raised concerns, but in every case, it has worked fine and not caused problems,” said Sterling Clifford, spokesman for Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Residents said homeless people still will be in the building after the school year begins.
“I have nothing against the homeless, but putting them in the school strikes me as unsanitary,” said Antonio Wesley, who lives a few blocks away.
“I don’t think it should be in school; there could be fighting or people using drugs,” said Betty Patto, 71, another nearby resident.
Meanwhile, homeless people at an encampment downtown said the city needed to find a permanent solution. “What we really need is our own apartment,” said David Turner, 42, who said he has been homeless for seven months after he was released from jail. “With a little bit of help, I think we could get it.”
sjanis@baltimor
