Shelter meeting

[from Janisha Richardson via the Georgia Avenue listserv]

Please join us for a informational meeting on Central Union Mission.

Thursday, May 4, 7:00pm
Capitol City Pavilion, 3401 Georgia Ave

Representatives from Central Union Mission have been invited. Meeting sponsored by ANC 1A08, ANC 1A09 and Luray/Warder Civic Association.

Commissioner Janisha Richardson
Treasurer, Single Member District 1A08
202-246-1707

Comments

[Adam]

I'm all for expressing one's views, working collectively, etc., and kudos for the slick website, but must you call it a "fact-blog"?

There are numerous assertions there (Graham is a "strong" advocate for the homeless), viewpoints (a "hastily" planned relocation plan), and anecdotes (a handful of purported Logan Circle residents -- each posting anonymously -- being spun as representing an entire neighborhood), but hardly many facts.

Advocacy is one thing, but why spin it as fact? This is a complicated issues with many perspectives. The opposition against the relocation plan would be more respectable if it didn't employ this deception.

[Mike]

I have been working with a few neighbors on a web-blog for the proposed mens shelter. Here is what I have so far...

http://www.missiondcfacts.com/

[chris]

Amanda--thanks for the meeting update.

[Terra]

FYI - there is another meeting, organized by Jim Graham, scheduled for May 18 at 6:30pm at Park View Elementary to cover the permitting and approval processes and opportunities for neighborhood input on the shelter.

This weekend I started telling my neighbors about the shelter and I was amazed that most knew nothing about it. Please educate your neighbors - to make any difference we really need to put forward strong turnout at these meetings!

[Lisa]

Besides Mr. Treadwell, who spoke in favor of the new facility? Did any of the current residents speak?

I'm inclined to accept a facility whose core function is betterment or relief for some sector of community, however low the rung they start out at. Petworth has busses and rail, emerging employment opportunities, and an increasing number of higher incomes. Homeless and un- or underemployed may be able to blend in a bit.

I get the point about finding things for men (are they all men?) to do during the day.

[Bill]

Cliff, if you can get me the recording I might have a way to boost the sound and post on the blog.

[Cliff]

Yes..that is correct - 60,000 sf.

Does anyone have or know of a way to boost a recording? The meeting was video taped, and I have the audio if anyone would like to listen to it. I would like to boost the sound, as it isn't too loud (but still audible.

Thanks

[mike]

Did I hear them correctly - did they say this new shelter is going to be 60,000 square feet?

[Amanda]

I went to the meeting. In a nutshell:

Councilmember Graham showed up and stayed for the meeting's duration, as did Graham's opponent Chad Williams (although the former did not speak). Local residents lined up to speak, and only one commentator expressed support for the Mission. Those expressing opposition to the Union Mission were a diverse group--new and long-time residents, African-American and white. Many residents seemed concerned about what those who slept at the Mission would do during the day, as well as what would happen with those who were turned away from the Mission due to their strict policies on admittance. Others expressed concerns about Georgia Ave. being a bad location for the Mission given the long-term problems the area has had with drugs, prostitution, and other crime. They noted that Georgia Avenue needed a chance to revitalize and feared the Mission would hinder those plans and opportunities.

Mr. Treadwell (the Mission’s director, I believe) seemed sincere in his work to rehabilitate the homeless and to work with the community as a good neighbor. He also said he was open to other locations, but he was unaware of any.

Councilmember Graham encouraged the Mission to stay in its present location, stressing that the move is not a done deal and that the Mission can expand where it is now. Graham is holding a meeting regarding the Mission and the permitting process on May 18th.

[Michael]

Did anyone go to this shelter meeting? I was unable to attend but am very interested in what was said.

[David]

If you are one who would rather not see a homeless shelter on Georgia, you should probably go to this meeting.