Dana Hedgpeth's article on the closure of another homeless shelter in downtown Washington ["District to Decide Soon on Plan for Franklin School," Business, Jan. 17] once again illustrates the District government's unmitigated zeal for economic development, which should come as no surprise to any D.C. resident.
The article goes on to reveal the mayor's disregard for vulnerable and poor residents. In describing the Franklin school building as "not doing anything but collecting dust," Chris Bender, spokesman for the deputy mayor's office, demonstrates just how easy it is for the administration to dismiss more than 150 homeless men.
Contrary to Mr. Bender's remarks, since January 2003, the Franklin School has been a much-used emergency homeless shelter in a central, accessible location. According to statistics compiled by the United Planning Organization, Franklin is typically full and on the coldest winter nights has offered a warm bed for up to 216 men, far above its official capacity of 170.
The mayor has previously cited improvements at Franklin to demonstrate the effectiveness of the city's plan to prevent hypothermia deaths. However, when development discussions try to lure hip new hotels and private clubs, the homeless men at Franklin are conveniently forgotten.
ANDY MOFFATT
Washington
The writer is a graduate fellow in social work at Neighbors' Consejo, which provides services for the homeless, addicted and poor.
