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November, 2008

Shelter Update and Meeting

As has been reported here before, the 65-bed men's overnight shelter located at
Epworth Church was scheduled to close on November 1 and two other shelters on
the north side, with more than 100 beds, closed earlier this year. Although the City
is beginning to phase out temporary, stand-alone shelters in favor of more holistic
and efficient models, we must deal with the question of where these men will sleep
this winter.

Epworth has very graciously agreed to continue hosting the shelter until December 1
to allow the City and the community time to find a new shelter location and work out
the details.

Community Issues Pre-conditions

The issue was discussed at the October Zoning & Planning (Z&P) meeting. At that
time, the community requested that any new shelter meet certain conditions. They
include:

1. The shelter would be located on a commercial street and not in a residential area.
2. The shelter must be temporary. It can open December 1st and must close
permanently on May 1, 2009.
3. The shelter must be well-managed.
4. There must be security on-site any time the shelter is open.
5. There are no in/out privileges. Once people are in the shelter they can't leave
until the next morning.
6. There will be no loitering outside and no smoking out front or in the back alley.
7. People must still gather off-site while waiting to be admitted to the shelter to
reduce loitering in front of the entrance.
8. Hours must be defined, enforced and respectful of the community.
Individuals who break laws or cause a nuisance should be banned from the shelter.
9. Any support for a shelter is contingent on regular sweeps of the parks, alleys and
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other locations where homeless encampments have been blossoming.

10. Any temporary shelter has to obey the "good camper" rule. They must leave the
building in the same or better condition than before the shelter took occupancy.
11. The number of beds should not exceed the 65 that are being lost.

Potential Location Identified

Since Z&P, a potential location that meets the above criteria has been
identified. That site is the former Pasteur Restaurant building at 5525 N. Broadway.
The owners are willing to lease the building. In addition, because the building is next
door to the Aldermanic Service Office, we would know immediately if the conditions
are being violated.

Opportunities for Input

To allow for community input on this critical issue, we will be holding a public
meeting on

Wednesday, November 12
7:00 p.m
St. Ita's Church - Jubilee Hall
5500 N. Broadway

In addition, we will meet with the EBNA and LBRC, the two block clubs adjacent to
the suggested location, and with businesses on the block.

Finally, we will take the issue to the

48th Ward Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 19
7:00 p.m.
5533 N. Broadway

for a vote. Everyone is welcome to attend Z&P; however, only registered delegates
will be able to vote.

Make Your Opinion Known

We want and value your opinion on this issue. In addition to attending the public
meeting, we urge you to write us at doug@masmith48.org or communicate with your
Zoning & Planning delegate.

Also, please let us know where the homeless are congregating in your neighborhood
so that we can take action.