DUMMERSTON — As a former member of the board of the Brattleboro Area Drop in Center, I was one who, with great pride and hopefulness, voted to establish and open this community's overflow shelter to protect those of us who were without housing through the winter months.
It has been a great thing for this area, in that there is now a safety net and shelter provided to all in need. The participants, both guests and volunteers, get to know and talk with one another, which makes for a healthier community. The guests, as a community, get to know one another and are aware of issues that might develop.
I have stayed overnight as a volunteer; and once a month, along with the Dummerston Congregational Church and the Dummerston Grange, have brought hot dinners for us all to enjoy together.
In my opinion, the shelter is one of the best things that has occurred for all us in recent years.
I, therefore, was absolutely appalled at “A night at the overflow shelter” by Terri Ziter [Voices, Nov. 16].
It does not in any way express my feelings or sensory experience. The temperature is hardly chilly; the smell is no different from any gathering room in which dinner has been served. The description of “stale breath, unwashed bodies, urine, flatulence” is grossly untrue and absolutely revolting.
Everything about the author's connections with the guests is negative, or a put-down. I have rarely read such a thoroughly ugly portrayal of one's fellow beings.
It certainly is distressing that The Commons would stoop so low as to print such an article in your usually enlightening paper. It is not worthy of your paper or this caring community.
Please do much better in the future.