To the Editor:

A recent announcement, “Danbury’s Dorothy Day homeless shelter loses appeal, could be forced to shut down,” leaves me, and, I suppose, many others, with very mixed emotions.

The Dorothy Day House has had a connection with Newtown faith communities, early on. From the very beginning, a few congregants from the Newtown Congregational Church and Christ the King Lutheran Church participated. At the present time, members of St Rose and Trinity Episcopal Churches as well as the Adath Israel Synagogue have given much needed support, both at the kitchen and shelter. In addition, the FAITH Food Pantry has generously donated food on several occasions.

As a co-founder of the Dorothy Day House in Danbury, I am aware of the 38-year span of time when there was no discussion about follow-up on requests to the Planning and Zoning Commission to operate the shelter. An initial letter was provided and permission was given.

For 25 years, I sat across from all of the key players at City Hall as a member of five Mayor’s Advisory Board meetings. At no time was there even one objection to what the volunteers at the Dorothy Day House were doing. In fact, there was much support and gratitude, unanimously expressed.

When the State of Connecticut sent out announcements that grants were available for agencies or communities that were establishing emergency housing shelters, we applied and were offered cots and room dividers. Requesting personal information about our guests, the staff decided against such, respecting each guest’s privacy. The State decided to offer the equipment anyway, as the spokesman for the State remarked, “Give them the grant as they are the only ones doing this work in the area.”

The Dorothy Day House was founded on faith, citing Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain…” Keeping this in mind, the founders believe that death is always followed by resurrection, especially when it comes to a work of mercy. Well, look what has been proposed: the turning of the Super 8 Motel into a permanent shelter run by the Hudson Pacific project for homelessness. With the City’s support, this would prove to be a win-win decision, offering shelter residents a number of well-run supportive services. Now may be the time for all interested parties to join behind [Danbury] Mayor Joe Cavo and bring new life to all involved.

The Rev Leo McIlrath

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook