Editor’s note: This letter was also sent to various Dover officials.
A neighbor and I were discussing possible issues if the People’s Community Center cannot house homeless individuals overnight. I am thinking outside the box, and my suggestion may be worthwhile.
Any state building would have to be retrofit to house the homeless population in a safe, practical and human way. Note: I believe the Morris Community Corrections Center was closed due to cost concerns and the need of major overhauls to bring the facility up to code. You may need to make an inquiry with the Delaware Department of Correction.
I feel the state may not offer a facility to Dover because it would have to make the same arrangements with other cities.
My suggestion is this: The state subsidizes the two casinos in Delaware. Why not reach out to the state to have rooms reserved for homeless individuals in our two casinos, whose rooms are often unfilled? The rooms have heat, bathrooms and clean beds. A shuttle service could be provided all over the state to bring homeless people to our casinos and return them to the pickup area. If the service is provided to all the cities in the state, it may be easier to have this issue resolved. The rules and guidelines could be worked out in a short time.
Dover would not need to come up with bedding or security or pay for janitorial services.
Therefore, I am respectfully submitting my suggestion for review.
William G. Faust Jr.
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
