I continue to be amazed at the fear-mongering that is going on in Chapel Hill about the proposed location for the Inter-Faith Council's Community House ("the shelter")! A tiny minority of citizens has made a big noise. On April 11 there was a guest column summarizing the fears of this group, and I think it is important for the community to hear the facts about the proposed shelter.

Having been a volunteer "social worker" at the men's shelter for almost seven years, I have a familiarity with many of the men who have stayed (and are staying) there. In all my time, I have only been treated with respect, appreciation and kindness. The men I have been working with are trying to get their lives back on track - searching for jobs, finding housing, or, if unable to work, applying for disability, getting in contact with other available resources, and getting needed medical care. It is rewarding to me that I can help them get to the services they need.

There are numerous reasons why the corner of Homestead Road and MLK Boulevard is perfect for the new men's shelter. The search for a site has been extensive and has included both IFC staff AND town staff. The location is near the Southern Orange Human Services Building, which houses the Department of Social Services, and the departments for housing and food stamps. The donation of the property use by the university exemplifies its support and partnership with the town to address the problems of the homeless.

The new shelter will provide space for better programming, classes, groups (support, writing, etc.) and case management. Yes, it will be a transitional house to help hard-working men. It is also on a bus route so that the men can get to jobs, buses to Durham (for Social Security), and medical care. With better oversight of the programming, there can be a better screening process to only admit men who are truly motivated to "dig in and work" to better themselves.

There is no reason why any of the homeless men would want to "hang out" in the park nearby. The ones in the program will be busy with classes, job searching, and getting to other services. Obviously if any problem should develop, the IFC, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Police Department would work together to solve it. There will be ongoing communication with the nearby neighbors, as well as encouragement for them to volunteer at the shelter so they can see for themselves.

The IFC is dealing with the "white flag nights" issue - how many men can be admitted overnight in an emergency (cold weather, etc.). This past year there were 197 such nights, and based on numbers admitted then, that averages out to five per night.

A previous guest column mentioned the "burden" that needs to "be spread equitably." How sorry it is that we consider caring for our fellow citizens a "burden"! What we need to realize is that the Inter-Faith Council is a private, non-profit agency. It is not their responsibility to solve the homeless issue in Chapel Hill; this is something that is up to the community to solve. We should just be grateful that they have stepped in to try to help even a percentage of homeless individuals. It is important that all of the community who are supportive of the shelter's proposed plans let their voices be heard! The town needs to hear from the majority of its citizens, not just a minority.