Residents react to intake center for the homeless potentially coming to neighborhood ahead of meeting Thursday evening

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend will host a public meeting Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Beacon Resource Center on Lincoln Way to discuss their proposed low barrier intake center for the homeless that could come to Bendix Drive.

Elected County officials, local business owners and others who hope to put a stop to the plans will also be in attendance and are encouraging the neighborhood to do the same.

Local business owners have made it clear over the past week, they do not want to neighbor the proposed intake center, handing out door signs to stop the plan.

ABC57’s Jackie Bauer went around the surrounding neighborhood and spoke to more than a dozen neighbors to see where they stand.

Many seem to be on the same page as those business owners, while others say they still need more information.

"Over 40 years.. and I just love it.. It is quiet. Neighbors move in and out... everybody gets along and I love it,” said Carolyn Turner a longtime resident.

She and her family have lived just around the corner from the proposed location on Bendix Drive for nearly half a decade.

"I have lots of mixed emotions’” she added.

She, local business owners, and other longtime neighbors I spoke with told ABC57, they have a number of concerns about welcoming the new low barrier intake center, that would provide 80 beds and purposeful spaces for treatment for the city’s homeless population, into their backyard.

"And I have seen it grow, and I don't think we are ready for nothing like that to go up out here. It'll make the property value go down and I'm not ready for it,” said Bernard Irby who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years.

The surrounding area includes a daycare center, a park, and a Catholic grade school.

Those with children and grandchildren said they are especially concerned the facility could bring those struggling with addiction problems and registered sex offenders to the area, and just want to ensure their beloved neighborhood stays safe.

"If they can guarantee the safety of the community, yes a lot of people do need places to go, and people to depend on. A lot of it can be due to no fault of their own,” said Henry Turner, a longtime resident.

While most agree the resources are needed in the city, especially after Portage Manor County Home closed their doors this summer, they just don’t think this is the right place for it.

"They need a place to go, but not here,” said Turner.

The city says there will a chance for questions and concerns to be addressed at the community meeting that the public is encouraged to attend.