Taylor residents clash with homeless shelter over drug use near school

TAYLOR, MICH. – An emotional culture war is brewing in Taylorwhich has led some residents to fight against a homeless assistance centre that Downstream for three decades.

Local residents say they support Christnet’s work, but its clients often cause problems in the area.

Christnet has been a homeless shelter for several years and the neighbors are not happy about it.

The city of Taylor has come to the conclusion that this is not working and essentially drove Christnet out over the weekend.

However, there are federal documents, a lawsuit and a request for a temporary restraining order to stop this until they can go to court.

Christnet is open daily in a store on Eureka Road and offers laundry, showers and food.

Client Kimberly Price says the services are critical to her survival after losing her job and home last year.

“It’s important because you have a place where you can maintain your daily life,” Price said.

However, everyday life is not so easy for the neighbors, as there is an elementary school just one block away.

At a city council meeting in May, neighbor Gene Shelton complained about drug use near the children.

“I’m a father of four little girls,” Shelton said. “Why do I have to come out of my house, right across from the playground, and then see someone lighting their spoon on fire?”

Numerous similar complaints prompted Taylor Mayor Tim Wooley to revoke Christnet’s business license.

“It’s a really difficult situation, but ultimately I made a decision that is best for my community,” Wooley said.

But attorney Aaron Speck says Wooley never gave Christnet a fair hearing.

“So your case file will actually be prepared before the mayor, where we can present our evidence and witnesses, have a full administrative hearing and enjoy the due process that the city ordinance requires,” Speck said.

“I pray that Christnet can stay open because the love that comes from this place is something we as homeless people cannot get anywhere else,” Price said.

Wooley says one problem is that other community organisations drop people off at Christnet and they have no way of getting home at the end of the day because it is just a daycare centre.

Wooley says they have to clear the playground of drug paraphernalia every morning.

Both sides will go to court for a hearing on July 2.