Shame of the City- Part 3

Upon seeing homeless men and women living on the streets, many inquire why they don't take themselves to a shelter. In the third installment of the "Shame of the City" series the homeless shelter at Fifth and Bryant is discussed. Many claim that they would rather sleep on the streets than in this "drug haven" while others definitely consider the shelter a more than viable option. This emergency shelter, Multi-Service Center South, or MSC as it is most commonly called is considered to be one of the toughest shelters in the city, where "anything not tied down is stolen". However for many it is considered to be the best option they've got.
When everyone enters the shelter they are handed a thin, gray wool blanket and instructed to pick a three inch thick mat on the floor. Many of the people inside bring in alcohol and drugs like crack. Pretty much as long as an individual is not obnoxious, they can get away with breaking any rule. The shelter is used as a night time haven for many, drug users and innocents, who are happy to have a roof over their heads and a plate of nutritious (albeit not tasty) cafeteria food to eat.
Everyone morning by 7am everyone is gone and the shelter is deserted until the following afternoon at 4:30 when everything began again. The shelter offers support groups and tuberculosis testing, because living in the congregational setting puts the men and women at high risk for the illness.
Although many insist that they are too terrified to spend a night in the violent drug den of a shelter, there are really relatively few disturbances and 75% of shelter guests are satisfied with their safety and treatment.