Homeless people in Riverdale need a safe home too

To the editor,

Years ago in a different city, our church offered a welcoming space, with food and shelter, to people who were homeless. What we found were people with stories not much different from our own: dads who missed their children, men who sought to get a GED so they could get a better job — ordinary folks who had fallen on hard times. We also found human beings hungry for a smile, a kind word.

Some of our neighbors can’t see past their fears. What about instead of vilifying the men who will live at the new shelter at 6661 Broadway, we local residents organize a welcome event with pizza from local shops? We’ll be there.

MARGERY FREEMAN AND DAVID BILLINGS