HomeMy WebLinkAboutUNITED WAY HOUSING SERVICES DAY CENTER - PDP - 30-06 - MEDIA - CORRESPONDENCE-NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGusa narKley: marKeung mrector
Community members: Marge Brodahl, Fort Collins resident
John Mohr, Poudre High School student
The First Amendment
of the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof,or abridging the freedom
of speech, or of the press, or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition
the government for a redress of grievances."
Our View
Homeless
center coalition
-- bears burden
AProponents will have to build
00 trust along with new building
A proposal to build a 10,000-square-foot Hous-
ing Services Center in Fort Collins for homeless
people has revealed a genuine need, deep-rooted
bias and some understandable concerns.
A coalition of governments and nonprofits is
planning to build the center at the northwest
corner of Conifer and Blue Spruce Drive in
Q north Fort Collins. The facility will provide
counseling, job and housing resources, and
networking opportunities for Larimer Coun-
ty's homeless population.
Simply rejecting the homeless facility out of
0 hand because it serves people who have nv
homes is unreasonable, inhumane and unfair.
But it is just as unwise to dismiss residents'
concerns about the project.
Compassion and understanding on the many
perspectives of this issue are sorely needed.
Gordan Thibedeau, executive director of the
United Way of Larimer County, explained that
the homeless population has no place to find
.much -needed services to improve their situa-
tion.
While the need is obvious, so, too, is the op-
position to the project, as voiced by nearly 60
residents and business owners who attended a
public meeting last week.
North Fort Collins residents and business
owners have a valid concern in noting that so
many service -related programs for homeless
and low-income residents have been located
in their part of town. That "service hub," cre-
ated to increase convenience for those in need
as well as efficiency among nonprofits, could
also have an unintended consequence of iden-
tifying North Fort Collins and nearby busi-
nesses with a negative image.
Other less -than -positive perceptions about
the project are earned from previous facilities
that have not been well managed, leaving
neighbors and local businesses with messes to
clean up and little power to respond. Yet oth-
er opinions about the homeless facility are
more difficult to address because they emit
from deep-rooted discrimination, bigotry and
a not -in -my -back -yard attitude.
Simply rejecting the homeless facility out of
hand because it serves people who have no
homes is unreasonable and unfair. Compas-
sion, understanding and respect for the human
condition are sorely needed.
If this project proceeds, proponents must
understand that the burden of making this sit-
uation work will be placed upon them. Some
people will never accept the center on its mer-
its, but others will if the coalition follows
through on its promises.
United Way of Larimer County, CARE
Housing, the Fort Collins Housing Authority
and the cities of Loveland and Fort Collins
have united in this noble effort. Ensuring that
concerns about night-time loitering, security,
cleanliness, etc., are adequately addressed is
essential. The center will not be a success un-
less it is accepted not just by those -,x,'-o will
.ise it, but by those who live nearby.