Neighbors hear homeless shelter plans

About 80 neighbors gathered at Calvary Lutheran Church in Loyal Heights Wednesday night for a community meeting about the SHARE homeless shelter that’s moving into the building on May 30th. Our Redeemers Pastor Steve Grumm and a half-dozen SHARE members, with the help of a moderator, explained the shelter’s ground rules and fielded a wide range of questions.

Pastor Grumm said that the church will check in with the shelter members every night, and a task force will be created with neighbors to address any new concerns that arise. SHARE members briefed neighbors on their rules — no alcohol, drugs or loitering in the area — and they plan to provide safety patrols for a two block radius around the church every hour from 7 to 10 p.m.

“I’m really glad you’re going to be in our neighborhood,” said Sharon, who lives nearby. “We welcome you.” While many neighbors agreed, others felt Our Redeemers and SHARE didn’t go far enough to ensure a safe environment. “I feel the concerns we brought up fell on deaf ears,” said Ivan, who was a member of the neighborhood task force that worked with the church and SHARE. He focused most of his frustration at SHARE, which has refused to submit to “un-American” background checks, one of the key requests from neighbors. “We’re dealing with an organization that hasn’t shown one ounce of willingness to negotiate,” Ivan said. SHARE, meanwhile, defended their screening process and system of accountability. “We manage ourselves,” said Benjamin. “If someone goes off into someone’s yard, we call the cops. We’re responsible for what goes on.” Other neighbors asked for better communication, namely a 24-hour phone number they could call if problems arise.

The surprise guest of the night was Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis who stood up to answer a question about the legality of hosting a homeless shelter at the vacant church. “We don’t require permits for churches when they want to minister to the homeless,” he said, explaining the homeless problem is greater than the city can solve on its own. “The mayor asked for churches to open their doors to help.” The SHARE shelter is moving in on May 30th.