hi. I've been following this conversation closely, and at this point have some questions: (1) Does anyone know the name of the for-profit organization that is supposed to run this intake shelter? (If I missed that I apologize). We could check to see what its track record is, positive or negative. There are many residences and centers run by non-profits in the city which are good neighbors, including in our own area (such as St. Christopher's near 42nd and Chestnut, run by Project Home). But a for-profit place worries me, given the track record of some of the for-profit shelter operators. Doesn't rule it out. But raises many concerns. (and not every non-profit would be a good neighbor either. Just better odds, again given history in Philadelphia).
(2) Does anyone know the specific plans for the center? Will it be for men and women&children, who now primarily get started at two different places? Will its intent be just intake and then transfer somewhere else? Will this be transitional housing for a very short period, longer? What special services will be provided (housing counseling, drug and alcohol referrals, medical care, etc. etc.)? What hours will it operate? Who will directly oversee it, if it's contracted out to some agency? What would be the neighbors' recourse if there are problems? (3) Which community organization covers that area? Walnut Hill? (which I know little about). Spruce Hill? only to 45th, or is it 46th? Garden Court? No I think too far north. Who besides the UCD is working for the betterment of the entire area? (and is the UCD doing anything in that area?) I'm reading about huge problems in the area that are happening regardless of whether there is a new shelter or any empty building. Are there any initiatives to address those? To which community organization should neighbors with concerns turn? Is there any need for zoning change for this building to become a shelter? (I kind of doubt it, but don't know). I think all of these are important questions, which can be useful to help us understand what it is we are talking about, and who can be mobilized to address it. I think both sides have raised some useful points which shouldn't be ignored. Personally, given the severe shortage of skilled nursing facility (SNF) (nursing home) beds in the city, (and I'm speaking about for those who no amount of money or services can provide a safe home environment), I'm saddened that what is a relatively modern building can not become a new SNF. But the economics are completely not there unless a big non-profit foundation like New Courtland wanted to take it on. So the empty building has to become something else, or be torn down. How can we as a neighborhood unite so that this will be a positive something, whatever it is? Peace, Naomi Naomi Segal Regent Square ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
