Don't limit the homeless

The old Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity may be turned into a shelter for the homeless or abused. The shelter is a great idea, but some critics have still voiced concerns. \nThe people of this campus should be willing to help others, and this shelter is the perfect opportunity. Because of its proximity to the University and many greek houses, students and faculty should accept the people housed within and give them a chance to better themselves. \n Rudi Yogananda, the brains behind the "Millennium Project," said the young adults that will be housed in the shelter will go through an "application" process -- they must show they are ready to move on from their problems with drugs or criminal actions -- and will live there for only one semester. The group will be allowed to attend classes through funding from the project, and if they receive a failing grade or get into trouble, they will be asked to leave.\n After one semester, they will be on their own. Yogananda said he hopes this project will help the students find tuition money, other housing or a job.\nWhat is wrong with this idea? Nothing.\nIt is a great thing. The shelter's residents will get a semester-long chance to prove themselves, enough resources to find a job and maybe even a chance to continue their college education afterward.\nIn addition, psychology and sociology students will be able to work with the shelter as volunteers -- maybe even for academic credit -- and greeks would be able to volunteer as part of their philanthropy mission. \nMany critics have voiced their concerns on the issue though. Some have said it could be dangerous to house the homeless near the windows of so many sororities. Others said the shelter could bring the wrong type of character to our "prestigious campus community."\nBut let's look at this as an opportunity to get people in need back on their feet, not as a reason to be scared or angry.\nAllow this shelter to be created; don't limit the chances of those who need help.\n-- Ben Cunningham for the Editorial Board