Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Brooklyn residents are worried about a brownstone building that has become a temporary homeless shelter for men. Locals are worried the shelter will become permanent in a neighborhood filled with women and young children.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (Catholic Online) - Residents of Carroll Gardens have been fighting an effort to set up a permanent homeless shelter in their neighborhood, concerned that the influx of homeless men will create safety and aesthetic concerns in the area.

However, the city has pressed the building at 165-167 W. 9th St. into service as a temporary shelter for homeless veterans. The city says they could be housed there for up to a month.

Locals are worried that more homeless will follow and the shelter will become permanent.

The city has declined to comment on the future plans for the location and the conflict remains ongoing. If a permanent shelter is situated there, it is likely the locals will be without recourse.

There is no definitive proof that the presence of a shelter will pose a threat to women and children, however home values may decline slightly.

© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.