Body Bags Protest at Dover City Hall Over Homeless Shelters

It is a fact that homelessness is a problem in our region.  We can debate the cause all day but it is a fact that it is not going to end without help from somewhere.  Right now, there seems to be a “passing the buck” situation with homeless shelters.  The county says it’s the responsibility of the municipalities, the mayors say it’s a county problem.  Let’s all agree it’s a problem and it is getting very cold in New England.  Good starting point.  Fosters.com is reporting on the body bag protest that Steph George is speaking for.  Three residents laid the body bags with signs attached that read “Help the Homeless Now” and “Live Freeze and Die” on the steps of City Hall.

“We have people in the community who will die if they don’t have shelter,” she says.  “We just wanted to bring awareness that this is a life-or-death situation.  We just want city officials (and) county commissioners’ office to open an emergency shelter as they have in the past.”

Anyone seeking placement in one of the region's traditional homeless shelters or immediate housing assistance is asked to contact the state's Coordinated Entry hotline at (603) 435-2448 or the statewide 211 assistance hotline.  If you need help, please remember that municipal fire and police stations are open 24/7 to anyone looking for a short-term place to warm up and connect with other assistance or resources.