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The fact is that there are probably addicts and alcoholics already living in this neighborhood. I mean face it, this is Reading, Pa. We have some of the highest crime rates in the U.S per capita. Does anyone remember those articles? I believe Treatment is necessary to recovery and reducing crime rates, not locking people up and putting them back on the streets. The other fact is that these individuals are closely monitored and held accountable. I bet if you took a pole on who drinks or has a record in the surrounding neighborhood they would be surprised. What ever happened to giving someone a chance? In my eyes there is only one who has final judgement and that one is God, may these neighbors find him now!
Addiction and alcoholism are diseases and more information is needed so people can understand that the people in treatment are recovering. This is commendable and life-changing. I know Sam Albert and he will honor his commitment to the neighborhood in which he himself lives.
I lived in a neighborhood with just such a group home. There were problems. One resident left the home and attempted to enter my home through our rear sliding glass door at 2 AM. ( The lock was broken on the door, but we had a stick of wood in place that allowed the door to open just 2 inches. ) Our teen daughter was having a sleepover at the time and was sleeping very close to that door. The initial noise woke her and and she witnessed the person trying repeatedly to get the door all the way open. We called the police. It was they who figured out the exact identity and address of the person who was trying to get into our home. The home resident stated that she was confused as to which house was hers and was just trying to get back inside, despite the fact that our home had no steps up to our back door and the home in which she lived had many steps up to a deck which led to the back door. Nothing was done. On other occasions, a resident of the home walked up to my window as I was sitting in my car in my driveway and banged repeatedly on the glass. She wanted a ride to the mall. That happened time and time again, despite several conversations with the staff of the halfway house. As other people said, this is not a charity. This is a business being run in a residential neighborhood. The banging on my car windows is not life altering, and by itself not enough for me to say that I think group homes are not a good idea. However, those incidents coupled with someone trying to enter my home at 2 AM while my daughter was sleeping just feet away make me think that the appropriate supervision was not taking place and these homes do not belong in residential neighborhoods.
How many neighborhoods already have alcoholics and/or addicts that the residents don't know about? True, they may not all be in one home, but they are there. These are people that are trying to recover from their addiction and recover their life. Wouldn't it be better to have known addicts in your neighborhood that are doing their best to make a better life and are under supervision than unknown ones? God calls us to love our neighbors—no matter who they are—as we love ourselves.
Let me start by saying that perhaps people need to educate themselves on addiction and recovery. Like cancer there can always be a chance for relapse. Addiction is a disease, like cancer and diabetes. We do not persecute those with these diseases. Also, please keep in mind that in this "small and vulnerable neighborhood" do you really know your neighbors? You may think you do but how would you know if their was another addict or alcoholic living on the block. They may be very good at keeping thier secret. They could be the same person driving on your street after using drugs or alcohol right where your children are playing. Or maybe the elderly man or woman is a closet pedophile. Maybe they are the one leering out their window watching your children in a sick or perverse way. Many who have been molested do not speak out so how would you know that something like this has not already happened in your neighborhood. Recovery Coaching Services is being forthright and honest in what their plans are. I do not recall at anytime anyone saying that they are a charity. I also do not recollect them asking for handouts. They may be for profit, but what is wrong with that. It takes money to fund any business.
I wonder too if those that are so opposed to this would have an issue with maybe a group home for retarded/mentally chanllenged adults? It would seem that they closed minded views would oppose this as well. I lived in the Hampden Heights area for many years prior to moving. In fact, I lived on blocks away. I had much more problem with the students from Albright with their partying and loudness at all times of the day. They had far less respect for the neighborhood because it was not their "home". The people who will live here want to make this their home and want to grow in their recovery.
The true threat that I see this neighborhood is those who feel almighty in themselves and what they feel they offer the neighborhood. This kind of bigotry has led to far worth things than giving someone an opportunity for a new life. Lastly, I encorage you to search within yourself and your family even to see if you all have led such a pristine life that you can pass judgement on people you have never even met.
These residents are not recovered, but in transition. You do not become a recovered drug addict in a few weeks, months or years. As long as there is a change for relapse, they do not belong in a very small and vulnerable neighborhood with old people and small children. What is the long term affect on the community? Can there be 6 or 7 or more house like this in one small neighborhood? It poses a true threat to the people. This is a business run for profit. It is not a charity.