Old bus used as shelter reopens

W. Broad homeless facility was shut 3 nights after fatal stabbing
Patrick Flanigan, Staff writer

Rochester Democrat & Cronicle News (February 23, 2005) — An old school bus that serves as a temporary homeless shelter is back in service after a fatal stabbing shut it down for three nights.

"Everybody was affected by the tragedy, but we all agreed this type of thing could happen anywhere to anyone, so we shouldn't let it stop us from doing what we're doing," said Charles Kellum, a founding member of Poor People United, the advocacy group that runs the bus.

John J. "J.J." O'Connell, a homeless man who often slept on the bus, was stabbed to death there on Feb. 8. Police have charged Gerald Sanders, 31, who is also homeless, with second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing.

Police said O'Connell was stabbed because he was talking too loudly and prevented Sanders from sleeping.

Sanders is being held without bail in the Monroe County Jail. A grand jury will determine whether he should be indicted.

The bus is parked each night in a lot at 226 W. Broad St. To protect lodgers and volunteers who work on the bus, Poor People United bought a hand-held metal detector to ensure no weapons are brought on board.

The bus has been in operation since December and provides lodging to people who are prohibited from entering county-subsidized homeless shelters because they failed to comply with county-mandated welfare-to-work rules.

The bus is equipped with 10 bunks.

Kellum said the group had a budget to operate the bus through the end of March, but dipped into that fund to buy the metal detector. However, he said, O'Connell's family has asked that some contributions in O'Connell's name go to Poor People United to pay for the bus operation. Those wishing to contribute can send checks care of Metro Justice at 167 Flanders St., Rochester 14619.

The family has also directed contributions in O'Connell's name to St. Joseph's Hospitality House, 402 South Ave., Rochester 14620.

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