I am a resident deeply concerned about the planned construction of a homeless shelter at 4932 Arthur Kill Road in Charleston. While the intention behind the project may be benevolent, I am firmly convinced it will create more harm than good.

Charleston is an area with limited transportation and access, making it challenging for the future occupants of the shelter to connect with the broader community, find job opportunities, or access public assistance.

Communities without access to public transport have unemployment rates 4-5% higher than those with public transportation (Source: American Public Transportation Association). Consequently, establishing a shelter in an area where job opportunities are already scarce might exacerbate the problems faced by the homeless individuals who will be relocated here.

Moreover, the proposed location is not equipped with the necessary resources to support a vulnerable population group adequately. The unfortunate fact is that the shelter seems to act more as a means of moving the homeless away from the city instead of genuinely addressing their needs.

The city and more centrally located areas are pivotal to their survival, providing a greater range of services and opportunities for these individuals. Pushing the homeless in our city into outlying areas is not a solution—it is displacement.

In light of these compelling reasons, we are calling on all concerned citizens and the relevant local authorities to reconsider the location of this shelter. Please sign this petition to halt the construction of the homeless shelter at 4932 Arthur Kill Road in Charleston.