Dear Editor,
Re: “Businesses protest shelter,” News, Sept 20.
I am writing to lend my support for the newly proposed homeless shelter operated by the Salvation Army on Horseshoe Way.
It has come to my attention that Wayland Sports, the gymnastics operation in that area, is petitioning parents to oppose the new shelter. As a parent of a child who spends over 16 hours at that same gym, I want to directly convey my support for the shelter, as does my 10-year-old daughter.
We recognize that the members of our society who may need a shelter are not criminals, addicts, or mentally ill. Many may have fallen upon hard times, and regardless of their circumstances, it says a lot about us as a society when we turn our back on the most vulnerable and in need. Homelessness is a troubling reality of our times and it does no child any good to pretend that it doesn’t exist.
I would hope that the City of Richmond will move forward and provide adequate, safe, and warm relief to those who need it. I would also like to convey that the rise in homelessness suggests the city should, and must, take a closer look at affordable housing in Richmond.
Andrea Niosi
Richmond
