TRAVERSE CITY, MI-- Advocates for the homeless in a Michigan community have formed a steering committee to look into whether a "wet house" should be opened where people with severe drinking problems can consume alcohol in safety.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that supporters of the idea say it will keep some homeless people with alcohol addictions in the northern Lower Peninsula city safe when they are intoxicated and not allowed in shelters.
They say a wet house primarily would be for drinkers with greatly reduced chances of recovery. Alcohol would not be served at the wet house, but the homeless there would be able to drink what they bring in.
Such a house likely would be privately funded, have up to 12 beds and be staffed around the clock.