Pubdate: Sun, 21 May 2006 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2006 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Christine Collins 'REHAB' HOUSE IS DANGEROUS This is in reference to your article in the May 10 Local & State section about a lawsuit filed by the Liberty Counsel to try to block Osceola County's move to stop a faith-based substance-abuse program from operating in a residential neighborhood. I live three houses down from the Men of Destiny Ministry's "rehab" house. In the six months (give or take) they have been operating, the neighbors and I have seen two drug deals as early as 7:30 in the morning, when these men were out without supervision -- not even two blocks from their house. This is a quiet single-family neighborhood. Last month, the land behind their house caught fire, putting all our homes at risk. This was from someone throwing down a cigarette. I understand they do need this program. But it should not be in a neighborhood full of children and less than a mile from the elementary, middle and high schools. Our children are at risk every day they walk to and from school. Do we need this additional risk? No, we do not. How would religious groups like to have these 14 men living in a single-family home next to them and their children? How would they like to be awakened at 3 a.m. by someone asking if this is the House of Destiny? Or, how about the men getting out of jail and coming to your home in the afternoon and having your 16-year-old daughter who is home alone answer the door? What about the value of your $300,000 house that is no longer appealing to prospective buyers when they find out who your neighbors are? Osceola County was correct in refusing to let this group home operate in a residential neighborhood. So they have prayer meeting four nights per week -- big deal. Send them to an area away from families with children who are so impressionable. They all need to go. Christine Collins, St. Cloud - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake