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Homeless Issue Lands on Official's Doorstep
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"It sends the message that the society is not interested in their problems," Howarth said.
But Howarth also raised concerns that another shelter is coming to his neighborhood. This month, the council approved selling the Gales School to the Central Union Mission, which is moving from 14th Street NW.
The Gales School, a former shelter near Union Station at 65 Massachusetts Ave. NW, is a few blocks from the Father McKenna Center.
Howarth said that the opening of another homeless facility in the neighborhood could create even more demand and strain services for his center. "If they come, we will take the challenge," he said, referring to Central Union. "What I object to is that the public sector put the challenge to us without asking us."
Standing in front of Wells's apartment, Howarth said the council member and his aides have ignored his requests to discuss the sale of the Gales School shelter.
"We're tired of being ignored," Howarth said.
Wells apologized, saying that he was unaware of the request. At various points during his spirited chat with the demonstrators, Wells reminded them that he had lobbied for additional funding for homeless services. He also said that the ultimate solution is permanent housing, not shelters.
