THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 2, 1996 TAG: 9610020003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
I am not a member of the Salvation Army. I have performed volunteer services in their office on 19th Street as a part of the volunteer program on board the Bainbridge, my previous command, and that is my experience with the ladies and gentlemen of that establishment.
The Comfort Inn at Virginia Beach Boulevard and Tidewater Drive, put to the use that the Salvation Army proposes, would be a great boon to Hampton Roads (``Proposed Salvation Army center suffers setback,'' Sept. 27, news). These men and women do not just house the homeless; they counsel them, help them to find jobs, give them options for getting back on their feet.
The facility in question would allow them to open their doors to women and children in need - a service their current facility precludes.
Though they are not presently located in a ``good'' neighborhood on 19th Street, there is no increase in crime or lowering of property value because of their presence. If anything, more men and women who need help are off the street instead of finding violent or destructive means of solving their problems.
It is a decidedly negative attitude and face that these civic leagues are showing, and I hope that they will think about their decision, reconsider, and lend The Salvation Army their support.
DAVID N. WILSON
Norfolk, Sept. 26, 1996 by CNB