We the undersigned, join our elected officials in their concerns regarding the development of a homeless shelter at 100 Neptune Avenue.

We do not believe that a shelter providing temporary housing is a meaningful way to solve the homeless crisis. We believe that building permanent housing, in addition to supportive services, is an effective long-term strategy towards reincorporating formerly homeless individuals and families into communities. This creates a pathway toward self-reliance.

This development should not proceed until the following issues are addressed:

1. The site is a probable environmental hazard that will put residents’ health at risk. To date, no environmental study has been done at the site. Without such a study, it would imply the Mayor cares more about putting the homeless into a dangerous box than he does about providing them with safe housing.

2. Core Services has a history of breaching their duty to their homeless residents as evidenced by the violations in their other shelters, including an instance where a decaying body was found well after the person had died. Core Services’ rapid expansion as a shelter operator calls into question their ability to operate this shelter in a way that is respectful of the community in which it is proposed, and would meet their obligations to their residents.

We believe it is important that the City listen to the community and its stakeholders before moving forward with this plan. We deserve a voice in the decision-making process.