The city held its third and final public meeting Thursday night to address the homeless shelter crisis brought about by the closure of the Long Island bridge — resulting in a shortage of 700 beds, including more than two hundred detox and transitional beds.
This series of meetings for public input on expanding homeless housing has brought up some long-standing anger. Last night the city presented potential plans to put 190 treatment beds in Radius Hospital in Roxbury, which is currently closed. Neighbors loudly said no.
“Folks are saying no tonight," said Rev. Miniard Culpepper of Dorchester. "Drugs, guns — we’re fighting this. We’re on the street everyday. We need a community that’s protected right now.”
Culpepper was one of about 200 people in the auditorium of the Trotter School. Dozens approached the microphone to blast city health officials, saying they aren't communicating and can’t bring the homeless to Roxbury and risk adding crime. Boston Public Health interim director Huy Nguyen explained the hospital is not a set plan.
“I’m very sorry actually that this is the first time that I’m coming to speak with you about this,” he said.
Nguyen says the city is still looking into other locations for shelter beds.
