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Re “Convention center shelter cost $5.7M in Nov., records show” (Dec. 13): I was shocked to read that taxpayers spent $5.7 million in one month to house about 900 people. What’s even worse is that a COVID-19 outbreak affected 115 homeless people and five staff. I urge Mayor Gloria to close the convention center for the safety of the homeless and downtown residents. Move the homeless to motels and smaller shelters as originally planned.
When activist Michael McConnell says the convention center is the most expensive shelter he’d ever heard of, you know it’s a problem. Not only haven’t the homeless remained safe, very few got into housing. Stop using COVID-19 relief funds to subsidize the convention center. For $5.7 million a month let’s help small businesses and restaurants survive. Owners and employees need support now more than ever.