To the Editor:

It is unfortunate that such strong disagreements have occurred in Bellevue over the site of a men’s shelter.

Ever since the opening of the Eastside Severe Weather Shelters, men’s shelters have been held two blocks from where I live in Redmond. During this entire time there have never been any problems in our neighborhood due to the presence of homeless people staying in the shelter or walking down the street. No crimes were committed and there is no problem of litter in the surrounding area. The clients of the shelter have not trespassed on the homes and apartment complexes in the community.

Furthermore, as a neighbor I attended the initial volunteer training meeting and was inside the men’s and women’s shelters helping with meals. Again, I did not experience or witness any dangers due to the presence of the shelter.

I hope the voters will talk to the churches, volunteers and staff members who have experience with shelter efforts in the community. It is not necessary to be fearful or oppositional. You can choose to make the shelter effort successful and prevent crime with your donations, volunteer work and neighborhood awareness.

Sincerely,

Linda Seltzer

Redmond, WA