I wish to express my support for the Adams Street Men's Shelter in downtown Wilmington. I think the state should assume some of the burden for running this shelter for homeless men. The Lutheran Church should not be the only group to tackle what is surely a municipal problem.
I'm writing because I'm sure you are getting many letters attacking the establishment of a city-run men's shelter, and I wanted you to know that not everyone agrees with that view. I am a merchant in the downtown area, and I live within a half mile of the proposed site for the shelter. I reject the argument that this shelter will increase crime in our neighborhood, or lead to the concentration of bums in our city. These people already live here. Ignoring them is not going to make them invisible. I see them every day, and I don't think we are doing enough.
At least we can provide a bowl of soup and a safe place to sleep. At least we can know that some old, crippled man isn't going to starve on our streets while we sleep, or get beaten up by some kids who think it's amusing to prey on the helpless.
I believe we, the citizens, should do more. I think we should have the Adams Street Men's Shelter, and I hope you will join me in supporting it.
