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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 21, 2014 10:28:00 GMT -4
Did anyone know about this information (pasted below)? What are your thoughts? I support the mission, but not the location....
Attention!!! Did you know there is a 8,800 sqft. Homeless Shelter coming to the Love Point Park/Cross Island Trail area of Stevensville?
Our Haven Shelter (OHS) will have a new mega 8,800sqft. facility located at 325 State St. Stevensville, MD 21666 This is where your kids walk through to get to four schools and ball practice if you live in the surrounding communities.
Facts: -8,800 square feet Homeless Shelter/Transitional Housing -Already approved by County Fire Marshal and Inspector according to QACO Planning and Zoning -Sitting in QACO Public Works to get approval for expanded sewer/water for large dwelling -Seasonal Homeless Shelter (currently run out of KI United Methodist, averages 10 persons per night) on lower level. -24/7/365 Transitional Housing on upper level.
-Location The proximity to the residents on State St. (less than 20 yards from the trail), Mallard Run, Cloverfields. In addition, Kent Island/Bayside Elementary Schools, Stevensville Middle and Kent Island High School.
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Post by KITransplant on Jul 21, 2014 11:00:56 GMT -4
Yes, this doesn't seem like a really great idea. Now expect to hear comments from others who live nowhere near that location to state, "How dare you suggest that any homeless person could or would cause anyone harm!" and "You are obviously one of those Not In My Backyard people!"
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 21, 2014 11:11:28 GMT -4
you're probably right... I'm just amazed at how far this has gotten without me or my neighbors hearing about this. I've contacted the commissioners, the county administrator, delegate Arentz, and the Executive Director of Haven Ministries (the lessee of the property and the operator of the facility). The commissioners and County Administrator Gregg Todd have indicated that this plan is in place and is going to be executed; however, they're open to meeting with community members to discuss it. Krista Pettit, the executive director of Haven Ministries, declined an invitation to speak to community members and countered with an offer for us to come volunteer at their winter shelter in Kent Island Methodist Church.
Again, I'm not thrilled with this location as it's very close to my home and many facilities frequented by children. However, if it's a done deal, the Haven Ministries staff should attempt to assuage their neighbors' concerns rather than bull-dose their way through our communities without any care for opinions of their neighbors.
Is it time to incorporate Stevensville and/or Kent Island?
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Post by vetter00 on Jul 21, 2014 11:47:34 GMT -4
Have not seen or heard anything about it. ugg........
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 21, 2014 11:57:16 GMT -4
I would definitely encourage everyone to email the following folks to demand some information on this facility, its proposed uses, and a copy of the historical timeline of its approval (including the current property's zoning change):
State Delegate Steve Arentz - delegatearentz@gmail.com Commissioner Moran - jmoran@qac.org Commissioner Dumenil - pdumenil@qac.org Commissioner Dunmyer - ddunmyer@qac.org Commissioner Simmons - bsimmons@qac.org Commissioner Olds - dolds@qac.org County Administrator Todd - gtodd@qac.org Sheriff Hoffman - sheriff@qac.org Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries - kristapettit@gmail.com
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Post by KITransplant on Jul 21, 2014 12:07:30 GMT -4
Maybe the facility should be relocated to Conquest Beach (see Politics Forum for that reference).
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Post by knottygal on Jul 21, 2014 13:00:06 GMT -4
you're probably right... I'm just amazed at how far this has gotten without me or my neighbors hearing about this. I've contacted the commissioners, the county administrator, delegate Arentz, and the Executive Director of Haven Ministries (the lessee of the property and the operator of the facility). The commissioners and County Administrator Gregg Todd have indicated that this plan is in place and is going to be executed; however, they're open to meeting with community members to discuss it. Krista Pettit, the executive director of Haven Ministries, declined an invitation to speak to community members and countered with an offer for us to come volunteer at their winter shelter in Kent Island Methodist Church. Again, I'm not thrilled with this location as it's very close to my home and many facilities frequented by children. However, if it's a done deal, the Haven Ministries staff should attempt to assuage their neighbors' concerns rather than bull-dose their way through our communities without any care for opinions of their neighbors. Is it time to incorporate Stevensville and/or Kent Island? I'm not saying that I agree with the location, but perhaps you should take Ms. Pettit up on her offer. If you are interested in further protesting the shelter your observations could provide you with ammunition. Who knows, it might change your mind. Again, not trying to "stir the pot" or voice an opinion on the shelter....just pointing out that it is best to be fully informed before waging an actual protest or a social media alert.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 21, 2014 13:16:41 GMT -4
you're probably right... I'm just amazed at how far this has gotten without me or my neighbors hearing about this. I've contacted the commissioners, the county administrator, delegate Arentz, and the Executive Director of Haven Ministries (the lessee of the property and the operator of the facility). The commissioners and County Administrator Gregg Todd have indicated that this plan is in place and is going to be executed; however, they're open to meeting with community members to discuss it. Krista Pettit, the executive director of Haven Ministries, declined an invitation to speak to community members and countered with an offer for us to come volunteer at their winter shelter in Kent Island Methodist Church. Again, I'm not thrilled with this location as it's very close to my home and many facilities frequented by children. However, if it's a done deal, the Haven Ministries staff should attempt to assuage their neighbors' concerns rather than bull-dose their way through our communities without any care for opinions of their neighbors. Is it time to incorporate Stevensville and/or Kent Island? I'm not saying that I agree with the location, but perhaps you should take Ms. Pettit up on her offer. If you are interested in further protesting the shelter your observations could provide you with ammunition. Who knows, it might change your mind. Again, not trying to "stir the pot" or voice an opinion on the shelter....just pointing out that it is best to be fully informed before waging an actual protest or a social media alert. I'm fully aware of how shelters work. I've volunteered at several shelters and soup kitchens in Baltimore City over the years (hence my concern). I've even built homes with Habitat for Humanity. I'm not opposed to the work this organization is trying to do, I'm opposed to the location and their unwillingness to speak wtih community members. If their facility is going to be a great neighbor and not have an impact like the shelters we're familiar with, tell us that!
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Post by KITransplant on Jul 21, 2014 13:31:09 GMT -4
I always thought Our Haven Shelter was throughout the winter only and that some of the local churches housed the homeless overnight. Am I right on that? If so, is this new facility supposed to be winter only, or is this going to be year-round?
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 21, 2014 13:33:15 GMT -4
I always thought Our Haven Shelter was throughout the winter only and that some of the local churches housed the homeless overnight. Am I right on that? If so, is this new facility supposed to be winter only, or is this going to be year-round? 24/7/365 transitional housing in addition to the winter shelter...
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Post by mdjammer on Jul 21, 2014 19:13:24 GMT -4
I wonder if this facility would be conducive to housing immigrant children and their families? I would support it so don't jump all over me for asking.
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Post by emsguru on Jul 22, 2014 10:50:42 GMT -4
Someone should let them know about the fire siren before they move in. Maybe that will stop them?
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Post by shorti on Jul 22, 2014 19:25:14 GMT -4
Well I'm glad I'm not worried about my karma here.... so here's goes... First I will say I am not a part of this organization; I just happen to have some insight into it due to some relationships and being involved with the homeless Community around here. Our haven does operate a winter shelter. They have also occupied that building for quite some time if my understanding is correct. It has served as their transitional housing for homeless who are a part of this program. This is not new. What is new, I believe is they have remodeled or maybe even rebuilt (or are in the process of doing so) the existing structure to make way for a larger place to house more people and their winter shelter. So they have been there and nobody has taken notice. No children have been harmed. But let me give you some insight into the homeless population here in QAC... Because I'm sure many of you may not know... I didn't. Our "homeless population" looks a lot different than what you see in Baltimore, Annapolis or other more metropolitan areas. See I know all but 2 of the people who lived in their shelter this past winter. I've had them in my home on several occasions. And trust me when I say, you would be shocked at who was there. Now there are those who have made bad choices and end up where they are but mostly they are trying to get their stuff straight. There was 1 I didn't feel I could trust fully. I still talk with most of them regularly. 4 have their own place that they found during the season or when it ended. 1 has reconciled with their family. But homelessness in our community/county is an issue. Think it's bad here? How about those who live in like sudlersville? Most homeless people don't have many job skills or they've made some bad choices in their lives and cannot get specific jobs. But many of the homeless people live with a friend sleeping on couches or are living in unsuitable buildings for shelter. We think we live in this beautiful high end community (and we do) and we forget that many of us are one bad financial decision away or one tragic event away from being homeless. It smells good in our ivory tower. So I take offense to the "how dare they?" And "who do they think they are?" attitudes. Especially when they have been in your backyard for sometime. And what about the people who live in harbor view? They live with it just fine in their backyard... And yes I live closer to state street and this location than cloverfields... What do you suggest we (as a county/community) do with the homeless people in our community? Why do you assume they are a danger to your homes, property and children? Wouldn't you want a place for someone you knew was homeless to go if they couldn't find a place? So should we leave them outside in the winter? Or allow winter but once winter is over and if they haven't found a permanent home put them back out on the street? Now I do agree that Krista should come and address the community... She is making this in the community she should want their support. I don't understand her reasoning. Her reply was a cop out. IMHO... And that tree should be shook. But come at it with eyes wide open and informed. Not bashing, fearful & quick to judge because you don't know who is in there.... It may very well be someone you know.... And I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate your judgement.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 23, 2014 7:24:05 GMT -4
Well I'm glad I'm not worried about my karma here.... so here's goes... First I will say I am not a part of this organization; I just happen to have some insight into it due to some relationships and being involved with the homeless Community around here. Our haven does operate a winter shelter. They have also occupied that building for quite some time if my understanding is correct. It has served as their transitional housing for homeless who are a part of this program. This is not new. What is new, I believe is they have remodeled or maybe even rebuilt (or are in the process of doing so) the existing structure to make way for a larger place to house more people and their winter shelter. So they have been there and nobody has taken notice. No children have been harmed. But let me give you some insight into the homeless population here in QAC... Because I'm sure many of you may not know... I didn't. Our "homeless population" looks a lot different than what you see in Baltimore, Annapolis or other more metropolitan areas. See I know all but 2 of the people who lived in their shelter this past winter. I've had them in my home on several occasions. And trust me when I say, you would be shocked at who was there. Now there are those who have made bad choices and end up where they are but mostly they are trying to get their stuff straight. There was 1 I didn't feel I could trust fully. I still talk with most of them regularly. 4 have their own place that they found during the season or when it ended. 1 has reconciled with their family. But homelessness in our community/county is an issue. Think it's bad here? How about those who live in like sudlersville? Most homeless people don't have many job skills or they've made some bad choices in their lives and cannot get specific jobs. But many of the homeless people live with a friend sleeping on couches or are living in unsuitable buildings for shelter. We think we live in this beautiful high end community (and we do) and we forget that many of us are one bad financial decision away or one tragic event away from being homeless. It smells good in our ivory tower. So I take offense to the "how dare they?" And "who do they think they are?" attitudes. Especially when they have been in your backyard for sometime. And what about the people who live in harbor view? They live with it just fine in their backyard... And yes I live closer to state street and this location than cloverfields... What do you suggest we (as a county/community) do with the homeless people in our community? Why do you assume they are a danger to your homes, property and children? Wouldn't you want a place for someone you knew was homeless to go if they couldn't find a place? So should we leave them outside in the winter? Or allow winter but once winter is over and if they haven't found a permanent home put them back out on the street? Now I do agree that Krista should come and address the community... She is making this in the community she should want their support. I don't understand her reasoning. Her reply was a cop out. IMHO... And that tree should be shook. But come at it with eyes wide open and informed. Not bashing, fearful & quick to judge because you don't know who is in there.... It may very well be someone you know.... And I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate your judgement. Great post! In general, I agree with your generalization of the homeless population currently in QAC. The current facility and operations of Krista's organization have been spectacular. More importantly, their intent is great. The idea of the facility is fantastic and most everyone I've spoken with supports it... in a different location. The new facility is 7 times larger than the facility that is in place today. Comparing the existing operations to the future facility isn't an apples to apples comparison, espcially when Krista is quick to say she will not turn away anyone in need (remember, state street is less than one mile from a Maryland Public Transportation bus stop). Krista is also quick to say her organization has been a great neighbor; but, thus far, has not agreed to address her neighbors. She needs to come out and hear the concerns of her neighbors, and explain what the facility will be used for, how many people it will house, what their policy is for "trouble clients", etc...
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Post by shorti on Jul 23, 2014 8:37:35 GMT -4
Well actually it's county ride and those stops are everywhere ... It's not like we have greyhound buses coming in and dropping off the masses. Most of our public transportation is just county ride.
I agree she Should address her neighbors. However I think that's gonna be unlikely. My understanding is that it will replace what they have now and increase for the winter shelter as well as common areas, laundry facilities, etc. while there is a great need for what they are doing; I don't believe there will be a great increase in the number they serve. The transitional program is a longer term program and honestly I don't believe they have the manpower to handle much more than they have now. Unless there is plan to hire people with grants etc.
Here's my recommendation.... They have a board of directors and I'm not sure who they are honestly there isn't anything about it on their website... But they meet I believe once a month at least during shelter season... Find out who it is and when it is and attend....
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 23, 2014 8:40:35 GMT -4
There will be a town hall on August 25, likely held at either the Senior Center or the Stevensville Library. It appears that Krista is willing to come! I'll post more information as I have it. All of the commissioners and the sheriff will be in attendance as well. Great opportunity for us all to hear what this facility will encompass, and ask any questions and voice concerns.
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ragtop
Junior Member
Posts: 81
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Post by ragtop on Jul 24, 2014 7:34:35 GMT -4
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 24, 2014 13:36:15 GMT -4
A Town Hall meeting will be held on August 25th from 6-8pm at the Kent Island Senior Center (891 Love Point Road, Stevensville). In attendance will be the current commissioners, county administrator, Krista Pettit (executive director of shelter), and Sheriff Hofmann. A few of the candidates for county commissioner will be in the audience as well.
Please come out and learn about this shelter, ask questions and voice your concern or support! It's important we stand up and tell our county that we care and should be informed of these types of decision before they're made.
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Post by frankf on Jul 25, 2014 18:49:15 GMT -4
FWIW: www.qactv.com/public-notices/the-facts-about-hunger-and-homelessness-in-queen-annes-county/FACT SHEET Haven Ministries, Inc., (formerly QACCA) holds their Emergency Food Pantry once a month. For six months ending April 2014 they served an average of the following: 1,521 people consisting of: 408 Children 281 Seniors 832 Adults Homelessness in QAC, numbers compiled by DSS identifying themselves as homeless: 51 male adults, average age: 38 years old 77 female adults, average age: 36 years old 26 male children, average age: 7 years old 22 female children, average age: 8 years old 7 individuals, gender and/or age was not known Approx 115 families 183 total individuals Haven Shelter housed 29 guests at Our Haven Shelter during the 2013/2014 cold weather season: 17 males, 12 females (including one family of man, woman and child) The average age of the shelter guests was 38 and the average length of stay was on month. Haven Shelter housed 34 guests at Our Haven Shelter during the 2012/13 cold weather season: 8 women, 26 men including 6 children under the age of 13 The average age of Shelter guests at Our Haven Shelter was 28.8 years old. The average length of stay was 17 days Queen Anne’s County Department of Housing and Community Services receives funding for several emergency housing programs that help with overdue rent, utilities and hotel stays for people that are in imminent danger of losing their housing. Programs typically run out of funding prior to the grant end date. Even with available funding most programs only offer $300 per client per calendar year which is not enough to ward off homeless. Last year, DHCS received $18,000 for the Emergency Solutions Grant homeless prevention program and ran out of money within 3 months. We helped 31 Queen Anne’s County households for a total of 62 citizens. This year’s Emergency Solutions Grant homeless prevention program came with different parameters. This time we were able to help our clients with $500 months’ rent for a period of 3 months, which we hoped would help prevention homelessness. We received $45,000 in January 2014. To date we have helped 22 households amounting to 60 people. With our remaining funds we will only be able to help 8 more households. To illustrate the plight of our homeless and at-risk of homelessness; households may not make more than 30 percent of the HUD allowable income for FY14. This amounts to: $17,550 for 1, $20,500 for a 2-person household, and $22,550 for a three-person household. Try finding safe, livable housing and feed a family of 3 for $22,500 in Queen Anne’s County. Queen Anne’s County Housing Authority owns and operates 48 low-rent public housing units. The waiting lists have been closed for several years due to the number of people trying to get low-rent housing in Queen Anne’s County. The Section 8 waiting list has been closed for since 2009 due to the number of people waiting for assistance and prevailing cuts in funding.
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Post by deepsea on Jul 26, 2014 10:05:47 GMT -4
I think its a great idea and the location couldn't be better. If you don't want it in your neighborhood just find a endangered spider, squirrel or worm on the site of the new building.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 26, 2014 10:53:09 GMT -4
The homeless statistics are significant, but they're lacking in specifics. The location of the homeless is key as we all know Queen Anne's County is larger than just Kent Island... and the operations of the food pantry are not necessarily related to homeless. I certainly don't disagree with the mission of Haven Ministries, and think the work they do across the county is great and obviously needed. However, does a homeless shelter with a usage rate that declined 15% really need to be moved into a larger facility located next to 4 schools, playgrounds, at least 2 full-time day cares, a trail with no lighting, and at the end of a dead-end road? Use the money for the facility towards helping the households you mention in your post, Frankf and still have some money left over to "rehab" an existing facility owned by the QAC Housing Authority for the purposes of a shelter.
The location is awful and is what most folks in the immediate neighborhoods surrounding it are complaining about (along with the fact that virtually none of us felt informed of the plans). It's not the idea of the facility. Come out to the town hall and see the support for the facility in a different location.
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Post by frankf on Jul 26, 2014 12:15:59 GMT -4
The location is near perfect in that it's surrounded by businesses and within walking distance of a large industrial park - places where these folks have a shot at getting a job. There is NO WHERE in the county that ISN'T close to a neighborhood, schools and parks. These people NEED to be located near these facilities in order to try to get on with their lives. Putting them in the boonies will not help them to mainstream back into society.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 26, 2014 12:37:54 GMT -4
I agree with the point about getting on with their lives and getting them back into society... but doesn't that apply to the transitional home residents? The transitional home exists today... more of those are great. The residents of the transitional home are required to secure a job, attend trainings, etc... wonderful! The users of the homeless shelter are not required to have employment. Yes, some homeless have jobs; I'll say that before you toss it out there. It's the ones that don't that are wandering the trail and parks and playgrounds during the day that are the concern of the residents and BUSINESSES in the immediate area.
Again, it's the location of the homeless shelter that's the concern. The shelter facility is great idea, in a different location.
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Post by frankf on Jul 26, 2014 13:25:11 GMT -4
So what you're saying is you want it to be someone else's problem because you feel they are undesirables. Meanwhile the current shelter has been in operation for years with no harm done to the community by it's presence. There is nothing to suggest that the shelter won't be run in the same manner that is is currently run.
These are people from OUR community, OUR county. I think it's OK to help out a neighbor.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 26, 2014 14:08:01 GMT -4
Homeless will be allowed in from other counties. When asked about this, Haven Ministries director, Krista, has already stated they will not turn away people in need of shelter. Having volunteered at shelters in Baltimore, I know it is standard practice to call other shelters when you're at capacity. Therefore, you can expect surrounding counties to call this shelter and fill it up all year long. yes, I said ALL YEAR LONG. Krista also said the shelter will expand beyond it's limited schedule that it has now.
Get the current shelter out of your head. This is not an apples to apples comparison.
And yes, I do not want to live next to a homeless shelter. Neither does krista... She moved out of the area.
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