Emery Shelter update

from the eckington listserve from eartha issac




I am happy to report that effective July 1, 2006, the Emery Shelter was downsized to a 100 bed working men’s program. Currently, 97 men live in the facility, including:

33 residents who are enrolled in the Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program (TRP);

52 men who are in the work program: and

12 individuals who are either physically or mentally disabled or elderly.

As you are aware the Eckington Civic Association (ECA) made addressing problems and safety risks associated with the inappropriate co-location of the Emery Emergency Shelter with Emery Elementary School, and adjacent to a youth recreation center, a priority of our 2004/2005 workplan. You may recall that ECA initially became concerned about the Emery Shelter when residents reported that the MPD website listed the 1700 block of Lincoln Road NE as the residence of 3 convicted sex offenders, including a child molester.

After visiting the shelter and being informed that the management could not confirm whether any sex offenders were living in the shelter, and after being unconvinced that there was an acceptable screening process to prevent sex offenders from residing next to a school and youth recreation center, ECA launched an education/lobbying/negotiation strategy that has resulted in the relocation of emergency shelter services from the Emery facility.

Now after two years of focused, persistent work on this issue, ECA and our supporters (Bates Area Civic Association, PSA 501, and North Capitol Main Streets, Inc.) have brought about changes that area residents have asked for for almost 18 years.

Although, ultimately, ECA believes that as a matter of social policy, the Emery location is an inappropriate site for delivering homeless services, we were willing to work with government and other stakeholders on an interim plan.

This is a win-win for the community, for working homeless men, and for the government, which needs to demonstrate the ability to assist homeless men achieve greater independence.

To everyone who did some "lifting" on this project......my heartfelt thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!