Parents and residents of Cape Cod are voicing strong opposition to a proposal that would move a homeless shelter just one block away from an elementary school in Hyannis. Housing Assistance Corporation and Catholic Charities aim to relocate St Joseph's House from 77 Winter Street to 460 West Main Street, placing it approximately 150 yards from Hyannis West Elementary School, which serves around 300 students from kindergarten through third grade.
Supporters cite safety and programming benefits
Officials backing the move argue that the new site would offer a safer environment and allow for expanded programming, though the shelter's capacity would remain at 50 individuals. However, locals and parents have raised alarms about student safety during pick-up and drop-off times, as well as general security around school property.
Tara Ann Broadhurst, a Barnstable native, told the Daily Mail, 'People do need help, but not at the expense of children and residents.' She expressed concern that the shelter 'pushes people out' at 7 a.m., coinciding with students heading to four nearby schools. Broadhurst added, 'We are not talking about helping locals, this is regional and other towns are pulling together funds to get rid of their homeless and push them into one of the most thickly settled residential areas in Barnstable.'
School committee and social media react
The Barnstable School Committee has voted to send a letter to project leaders expressing worries about the relocation. Committee member Andre King stated, 'A central responsibility of the school committee is the health and safety of the students in the town of Barnstable.' Online, the proposal has drawn criticism, with one local calling it a 'ridiculous idea' that 'doesn't even increase the number of beds but turns the shelter into a regional shelter.'
Another resident questioned the logic: 'What additional services do the unhoused get in this location? Are they changing the daytime policies or providing daytime respite/shelter?' Business owners also fear negative impacts. John Kimball, owner of Steve Sue's Par-Tee Freeze on Main Street, admitted concern for his business and the community.
Stark contrast to Hyannis's image
Hyannis is famously associated with the Kennedy family, including President John F. Kennedy, whose summer White House was the family compound on the harbor. The elementary school has partnered with the JFK Hyannis Museum for after-school programs. The shelter relocation presents a contrast to this affluent image, with critics worried it could drive away customers.
Project details and costs
The relocation is estimated to cost between $4.8 million and $6 million. Cape Cod's 15 towns have been asked to contribute $100,000 each. Housing Assistance Corporation has secured $3 million in federal pandemic relief and a $354,000 state grant. Project leaders say the current shelter on Winter Street was 'never designed as a shelter,' lacking ADA accessibility and adequate facilities.
Rick Brigham, a former employee of St Joseph's for 27 years, praised the shelter's impact but criticized the program's hours, which require guests to leave by 7 a.m. 'They're out on the street trying to survive,' he said. 'It's not only problematic for the community, the business owners, the residents, it's problematic for the neighbors in need.'
Legal protections and appeals
In January, Barnstable's building commissioner ruled the project is protected by the Massachusetts Dover Amendment, which exempts certain land uses from local regulations. The state Attorney General's Office agreed in March. However, a group called Neighbors Advocating for Neighbors in Need has filed an appeal, arguing the shelter would release homeless individuals onto the street at the same time students travel West Main Street.
Housing Assistance CEO Alisa Magnotta and Catholic Charities CEO Susan Mazzerella stated, 'The shelter has operated in Hyannis since 1984... There has never been a single complaint or incident involving shelter guests impacting students.' They emphasized that the new shelter would 'enhance safety through a purpose-built facility' and serve only 50 of the approximately 550 homeless individuals on Cape Cod.
