Meanwhile, a group called Concerned Jericho Parents created a petition seeking to stop the facility to "help preserve the safety and well being of our families and neighborhood." What some are saying in other forums is ugly, betraying upsetting views that discriminate based on race and class.
If the town is really interested in protecting its "suburban quality of life," it would embrace such transitional housing. Homeless families are our neighbors, and part of our suburban landscape. This program can help primarily mothers with children spend about nine months getting back on their feet and, ultimately, achieving their suburban dream of stability and success. This is critical as the coronavirus pandemic has left many Long Islanders economically vulnerable.
This opportunity to respond as a compassionate community shouldn't be stopped.