To the Editor:
I live in the Fields Corner area of Dorchester and have worked at UMass Boston for 29 years. I live close to a very well-managed recovery home, Interim House. We have had no problems at all with our neighbors in recovery. Ever. They are simply neighbors whose presence on the street has not increased crime, noise, trash, parking, or traffic. In fact, the men served by Interim House are not only friendly; they work on beautification projects around the house from painting their exterior fence to caring for the lawn.
We know they suffer from addiction and we know they are working very hard to recover. They know we love our street and take pride in our homes. The key to this success is simple, it has three parts: excellent management, true compassion, and sincere respect.
There is ample evidence that Pine Street Inn knows how to operate permanent supportive housing; that is why I am confident that the project for the formerly homeless at 900 Morrissey Blvd. will be as well managed as those in Jamaica Plain, the South End, and other sites in Dorchester.
Do we want to pitch in and extend a truly helpful hand to a group of elderly neighbors rendered homeless by war, illness, poverty and/or violence? Here is our opportunity to do so.
– Reyes Coll-Tellechea, Fields Corner
