Dear Editor: I am stunned by the attitude expressed by Patricia Vaughey and the Cow Hollow Neighbors in Action and the Marina-Cow Hollow Neighbors and Merchants groups regarding the housing proposed by the Community Housing Partnership (CHP) in Bruce Bellingham’s article on the front page of the April 2010 Marina Times. As stated in [the Marina Community Association] column on Page 2 of this issue, this housing is for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system who are at risk of homelessness. These are not derelict, homeless youth.

I think we should be applauding their determination to become self-sufficient with the help of CHP and Larkin Street Youth Services (LSYS). I urge all parents to remember the help they provided their children after high school graduation with continuing education. How would their children have managed if at the age of 18 they were completely on their own? That is what happens in the California foster care system when the children age out at 18 years. I am thankful that CHP and LSYS are there to help with the transition through college and/or entry-level jobs. I think we should celebrate these young adults’ determination and hard work and welcome them to the neighborhood!

As for the Bridge Motel – if the timeline for this project is two-and-one-half to three years as stated in Bellingham’s article – for all residents of the Marina-Cow Hollow, I certainly hope that the City and the SFPD have resolved the issues surrounding this site within that time.

This is a great neighborhood for young adults. We have the open space of the Presidio and Crissy Field for active lives, public transportation to many areas of the City without need of transfer, good restaurants and fast food, fitness centers, a great grocery store and meat market, and a sense of neighborhood that feels secure and welcoming most of the time.

I wish both CHP and LSYS great success in all the work they do, and I applaud the young adults in their programs who are working to be productive members of our country, our city, and, hopefully, our neighborhood.