I am a resident of Coram, NY, deeply concerned about the shelter operating in a condemned building at 3723 RT 112. This facility is not just an eyesore; it's a threat to our community's safety and well-being. The shelter collects individuals from various communities, providing them with temporary overnight accommodation before leaving them on the streets by 8 AM the next day. 

This practice not only disrupts our community but also fails to provide sustainable solutions for those it claims to help. It is unacceptable that such operations are allowed in a building deemed unfit for habitation.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, effective homeless services should focus on permanent housing solutions rather than temporary shelters (2019). Yet this facility continues its operation without any long-term plan or strategy.

The bottom line is that this facility is operating in a condemned building deemed completely unsafe and a health hazard since 2016.

We call upon both Brookhaven Town and Suffolk County officials to take immediate action. We demand that they shut down this shelter operating in this unsafe building and instead invest resources into more sustainable, long-term solutions for homelessness. We also demand that the county reviews all shelter applicants before paying to house people -this is to avoid sending people to an unsafe situation such as this one. The county should work with the town to ensure proper permits are obtained by shelter applicants. The conditions of the shelter should also be verified with period inspections to ensure that those utilizing the shelter have reasonable accommodations. 

Please join us in advocating for safer communities and better support systems for those experiencing homelessness. Sign this petition today!