LETTERS DECEMBER 6, 2014
More than a room at the inn
T
he dramatic and disturbing rise in the number of homeless children throughout the United States means that too many families have been left to languish in hotel or motel rooms that threaten both their physical and emotional health. In Massachusetts, no community shelters more homeless families than does the town of Danvers. Yet, a remarkable structure in the center of town is destined for destruction. Only a six-month demolition delay has prevented the Archdiocese of Boston from razing the historically significant 1895 “Queen Anne Revival” A. F. Welch House, which lies next to St. Mary of the Annunciation Church. Parishioners of St. Mary's and other residents of Danvers have pleaded for its preservation. This historic home could be converted into affordable housing units or temporary housing for the homeless. A room at the inn or a home? We call upon Cardinal O’Malley not to betray the basic mission of the Church for 30 places of parking. That would be a shame.