Neighbors....

[pagal]

OK. I need some insight on this. I'm struggling with how to respond to this.

We live in a very quiet townhome community in a rather affluent neighborhood. It's the kind of place where I barely lock my doors except at night and feel like I know everyone to a certain degree.

A woman down the street from me lost her husband a few years ago and I got to know her a bit during that time. She had attended our church for a while but she's way out there now with these false teachers. She's a bit off herself but is always cordial and nice.

Anyway, I hear from another neighbor that she's housing homless people in her basement. For a bit it was a man and a woman. Not sure who's there now. I did notice a car that looked like it was falling apart (and lived in) and a very dishelved woman leaning up against it smoking. Not to be rude but it caught my eye. I thought maybe she was a down and out cleaning lady.

Well, the thought of someone going out of their way to help the homeless and open up their doors to them is a good thing. BUT as mom of 3 little ones the thought of drifters living just a few houses down is concerning.

I feel bad assuming that these homeless people have criminal intents but I worry about it. Once in a blue moon is one thing but I worry we've got a halfway house situation here.

What's your opinion? I'm sure I should approach her about it.

[lisa]

I'm not sure I would approach her at all about it.
I might be inclined to see how I could help her though (food, clothing, etc.) could be an opportunity to reach her and others for Christ.

I would however make sure my home is secure; motion-sensitive lighting on the porch or dark areas, doors locked at all times, etc.

[lovinlife4]

I agree with Lisa. Make sure your home is secure, maybe look up shelters in your area and give some locations of the shelters to the people coming and going. Offer some things if you can, offer prayer and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for safety. I would be a bit nervous too.

[pagal]

Good Points. That's a nice idea. I would like to know a bit more about who's living there. Are they from her church? Are they out of prison?

I guess my main concern isn't a break in or theft but moreso the safety of my children and who they are? Recovering drug addicts? Etc...

That's my real worry. I know we should have a heart for these people ....I guess it's just close to home. Literally.

[Seemomgonuts]

I totally understand your concern. :hug


We have a situation similar in a way going on next door. There were at one time 27 illegals living there (in a 3 bd house), though now there are only 18 and all the women are pregnant (again). New squatters come and go frequently and it can be scary letting the kids play outside....you just never know who these people are or what kind of past they have. I have a hard time wanting to donate things to them, A- there is no way they are poor with that many people living there to share the rent, and B all the "regulars" drive luxury suv's (2 of the women drive fully loaded Lincoln Navs). I want them out for not only safety sake, but because the house is a dump. The house was so nice when they moved in, our property appraiser said they have contributed to the loss of value in our neighborhood. They throw trash in people's yard (and all over theirs) and throw super loud parties, they have even tried parking on my lawn when they run out of room on their own lawn. :rolleyes

I said all of that to say this- when you move to a nicer part of town, and pay more to live there, you expect to have a certain standard of living. You don't want to worry about transients who could be preying on your kids. :idunno Personally, I would tell the lady your concerns, and see if she could find a shelter for those folks. Maybe this will not be a popular opinion on this board....but protecting your kids is your #1 priority, donate if you want, but you have every right to be concerned and if need be- to do something about it.

[Sing4Him]

Can you call the county and ask about this?? :scratch

[pagal]

I could but I don't want to be hasty about things.

#1- I'm only going by what is still a "rumor" about what's going on since I didn't speak to the women herself. For all I know maybe it was a family member or good friend of the family that she was helping out.

I think I'll see what I can find out and exactly what the context is. I feel horrible. I want to have compassion for those less fortunate but like I said, my ONLY concern is the safety of my kids. It's just something that's been on my mind and feel I want to learn more about at this point.

I just worry since her direct neighbor was upset about it enough to approach a community meeting to address it so I'm not sure if there has been a problem.

[FaithContender]

Does your neighborhood have a homeowners association? They may have rules about things like that. Ours does.

[Seemomgonuts]

I feel horrible. I want to have compassion for those less fortunate but like I said, my ONLY concern is the safety of my kids.

Don't let yourself feel horrible. You have EVERY RIGHT to protect your children from potential harm!!!! You can still be charitable with a donation if you so choose, without having to have your children in close proximity. These days you really cannot be too careful.

[Patti311]

Can you call the county and ask about this?? :scratch

That's what I was thinking. At least make authorities aware of it.