To the editor:

Let me start by saying I owe the shelter my life. They took me and my husband in when I was six months pregnant and helped us turn our lives around. With that said, the shelter really needs to take a hard look at their policies.

When we stayed there three years ago, we met people from all walks of life. Some guests had been there five-plus years, and I was shocked after a recent visit back that they were ALL still there. Why are the families given a strict 90-day stay, but singles can stay years? What motivation do they have to get work and get on their feet if they get three hots and a cot for free as long as they need?

Why do only the families have to take random drug tests but the single side rarely takes drug tests? Most shelters require their guests to provide proof that they are actively seeking employment yet that’s not a requirement here, just a recommendation.

I think the shelter would receive more community support and a better success rate if they revised some of their policies and gave their guests a reason to be motivate themselves.