to complain about a homeless shelter?

[StuckinTheMiddlewithYou]

We have lived in this area for nearly a year, mostly without incident.

There is a homeless shelter nearby. For the past few weeks we have had people drinking, screaming and fighting in the street. It's always the same two or three people involved, running in and out of the shelter in the middle of the night.

I understand that people in this situation have huge problems, I don't want the shelter to close as I know it provides a vital safety net for many vulnerable people. The majority of the people living there just seem to get on with their lives.

AIBU?

[SardineQueen]

Don't complain about the shelter, talk to them about these specific 2 or 3 residents.

[sausagesandmarmelade]

No...YANBU to complain. There's only so much you can take. You need your sleep!

By making a complaint (and noting down incidences) hopefully the shelter will be able to pinpoint the source of the problems ...and deal with the perportraters.

There must be rules for these hostels...and if these people can't abide by them then they should ultimately have to go.

[squeakytoy]

You arent being unreasonable, but there is little you can do (and I speak from unfortunate experience of this).

[vj32]

Complain to the shelter with times of incidents etc. People who are very disruptive/violent etc will not be welcome there long.

[nijinsky]

YANBU. Please do complain. I own privately rented properties in Scotland which are classified as "Houses in Multiple Occupation". I have to get a license renewed after inspection by the local council every year and if any neighbours complain to the HMO Unit about my tenants, I have to go to the Licensing Committee and stand in front of them to explain it. Apparantly as a landlord by legislation I am now also liable for the actions of my tenants in the street outside my property.

Therefore on that reasoning, it is not U for you to complain to whoever is in charge and indeed the local authority as a local resident for the activities of its invitees. Homelessness does not negate the interests of the local community to peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

[worraliberty]

Why don't you call the police when this happens?

[diabolo]

I'm sure the shleter have their own rules and will want to hear about this, so that they can take action. I know the one in my town does not allow drinking or drugs of any sort.

The last thing they want is lots of local residents up in arms.

[yousankmybattleship]

YABU if you complain about the shleter being near your house. YANBU to complain about those two or three residents who are making your life a misery.

[MrsVidic]

I'm deputy mgr in one and I would appreciate any incidents reported as it's better to come from you than the police. Also a lot of the time trouble is caused by residents family/ friends and gets the project a bad name, it's always better to tell us so we can do something.

[StuckinTheMiddlewithYou]

The police already come out regularly. I presume called by the shelter themselves as they litterally battern down the shutters when this happens.

No, I have no objection to the existence of the shelter. I feel for the other, reasonable people who live in it!

[YouaretooniceNOT]

Dial 999, when it is happening. Tell the police NOT to visit your home as you are frightened of revenge attacks etc.

[microserf]

YANBU. the residents have rules to abide by, and i am certain the residents who want to be there are not keen on the ones fighting in the street.

out of curiosity, are you in sw london?

[EvenLessNarkyPuffin]

I'd try talking to the shelter and see what they say. It might be that they'd actually like you to complain about the people so they can get rid IYSWIM.