These neighbors really aren't so bad

To the editor:

(re: “One last chance to stop shelter,” Dec. 2)

For several years, I lived one block away from the infamous Bellevue men’s shelter in Manhattan.

This shelter was the main intake facility for homeless men, many of whom had just gotten out of jail, or were struggling with drugs and psychiatric problems.

I have some shocking news to share with my fellow Riverdalians: They kept to themselves, and they were OK neighbors. They were mainly interested in getting permanent housing through the system.

And they wanted to avoid trouble.

Frankly, the shelter men were a lot easier to live near than the notoriously rowdy students of a certain local college. But perhaps it is best to avoid mentioning the issues of race and class involved here.

Paul Campion

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