“Hi, my name is Jeremy Gonzales, and I live here in the neighborhood. I’m asking for signatures for our petition, the former Good Shepherd Church located at 550 Clark Street Toledo, Ohio 43605 is being considered for use as a homeless shelter, which could bring a lot of extra traffic and safety concerns into our residential area.
The proposed repurposing has raised concerns about:
* Increased safety risks
* Higher foot and vehicle traffic
* Crime and disturbance potential
* Strain on police and public resources
* Decrease in property values
* Incompatibility with the residential zoning and character of the neighborhood
Most Importantly we have several schools, daycares, a library & after school programs and kids walking these streets, and many of us are worried this could negatively affect the safety of our children and the value of our homes.
NOT TO MENTION WHEN CHECKING INTO ANY HOMELESS SHELTER YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION. This could bring unidentified offenders to our neighborhood.
We’re asking the city to pause the sale until the community has a voice in what happens.
Would you be willing to sign the petition to help protect our community?”
33 Comments
I lived in this neighborhood for 32 years and do not agree with this location being used there's already enough in this area should take it some were else
My brother lives 2 blocks away. I worry about the safety of my four young nieces. I will continue to support programs and resources that are already available to the homeless.
I live in the neighborhood as well. I’m all for helping people out but this is not the place for it. The neighborhood is already struggling with keeping crime and drugs out. I believe there has to be a better place for this shelter to be held at. Somewhere away from the things there running from not directly by it.
My heart goes out to the homeless among us, but many of these people are mentally unwell. I think moving them in to a residential neighborhood will put residents at risk; especially our children and elderly.
I don’t think it’s suitable for the neighborhood or the kids. The crowd it will bring into the neighborhood wouldn’t be good at all. I think it’s a thoughtful kind idea but not this location.
I understand the intention behind wanting to help the homeless, and I respect anyone who genuinely wants solutions. But this conversation needs to be rooted in facts and lived reality, not just emotion. First, TOLEDO ALREADY HAS MULTIPLE SHELTERS & SERVICES, not just Cherry Street Mission. There are overnight shelters, warming centers, and programs available. The issue is NOT SIMPLY A LACK OF BUILDINGS. Second. This is important. YOU CANNOT LEGALLY OR PRACTICALLY FORCE PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS. Many individuals experiencing homelessness DO NOT WANT SHELTER for a variety of reasons: strict rules, curfews, sobriety requirements, safety concerns, mental health challenges, or past negative experiences. Building another shelter does not automatically change that reality. Third, CHERRY STREET MISSION ALREADY OWNS THE FORMER MACOMBER SCHOOL, which has significant unused space. If the goal is capacity and support, converting existing, owned property into livable rooms would be a far more efficient and responsible solution than placing a new shelter into a residential neighborhood. Lastly, real solutions require community INVOLVEMENT BEFORE DECISION ARE MADE, not after. Residents, parents, nearby homeowners, and local businesses deserve transparency and a voice, especially when safety, zoning, and long-term impact are involved. Helping the homeless and protecting neighborhoods are NOT OPPOSING GOALS. We can and should do both, but only by addressing the real causes and limitations, not by pretending one new location will solve a deeply complex issue.
That's not a good area for that idea too many kids around that neighborhood for all the extra traffic.
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“Hi, my name is Jeremy Gonzales, and I live here in the neighborhood. I’m asking for signatures for our petition, the former Good Shepherd Church located at 550 Clark Street Toledo, Ohio 43605 is being considered for use as a homeless shelter, which could bring a lot of extra traffic and safety concerns into our residential area.
The proposed repurposing has raised concerns about:
* Increased safety risks
* Higher foot and vehicle traffic
* Crime and disturbance potential
* Strain on police and public resources
* Decrease in property values
* Incompatibility with the residential zoning and character of the neighborhood
Most Importantly we have several schools, daycares, a library & after school programs and kids walking these streets, and many of us are worried this could negatively affect the safety of our children and the value of our homes.
NOT TO MENTION WHEN CHECKING INTO ANY HOMELESS SHELTER YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION. This could bring unidentified offenders to our neighborhood.
We’re asking the city to pause the sale until the community has a voice in what happens.
Would you be willing to sign the petition to help protect our community?”
33 Comments
Right idea, wrong location! Too many children in the area! 2 schools within 3 blocks, library and park.
I lived in this neighborhood for 32 years and do not agree with this location being used there's already enough in this area should take it some were else
My brother lives 2 blocks away. I worry about the safety of my four young nieces. I will continue to support programs and resources that are already available to the homeless.
I live in the neighborhood as well. I’m all for helping people out but this is not the place for it. The neighborhood is already struggling with keeping crime and drugs out. I believe there has to be a better place for this shelter to be held at. Somewhere away from the things there running from not directly by it.
My heart goes out to the homeless among us, but many of these people are mentally unwell. I think moving them in to a residential neighborhood will put residents at risk; especially our children and elderly.
I don’t think it’s suitable for the neighborhood or the kids. The crowd it will bring into the neighborhood wouldn’t be good at all. I think it’s a thoughtful kind idea but not this location.
I understand the intention behind wanting to help the homeless, and I respect anyone who genuinely wants solutions. But this conversation needs to be rooted in facts and lived reality, not just emotion. First, TOLEDO ALREADY HAS MULTIPLE SHELTERS & SERVICES, not just Cherry Street Mission. There are overnight shelters, warming centers, and programs available. The issue is NOT SIMPLY A LACK OF BUILDINGS. Second. This is important. YOU CANNOT LEGALLY OR PRACTICALLY FORCE PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS. Many individuals experiencing homelessness DO NOT WANT SHELTER for a variety of reasons: strict rules, curfews, sobriety requirements, safety concerns, mental health challenges, or past negative experiences. Building another shelter does not automatically change that reality. Third, CHERRY STREET MISSION ALREADY OWNS THE FORMER MACOMBER SCHOOL, which has significant unused space. If the goal is capacity and support, converting existing, owned property into livable rooms would be a far more efficient and responsible solution than placing a new shelter into a residential neighborhood. Lastly, real solutions require community INVOLVEMENT BEFORE DECISION ARE MADE, not after. Residents, parents, nearby homeowners, and local businesses deserve transparency and a voice, especially when safety, zoning, and long-term impact are involved. Helping the homeless and protecting neighborhoods are NOT OPPOSING GOALS. We can and should do both, but only by addressing the real causes and limitations, not by pretending one new location will solve a deeply complex issue.
That's not a good area for that idea too many kids around that neighborhood for all the extra traffic.
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Right idea, wrong location! Too many children in the area! 2 schools within 3 blocks, library and park.