Salvation Army makes shelter changes as search for boy's killer continues
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Salvation Army is reacting to demands by people who want changes at a homeless shelter near the area where an 11-year-old boy was fatally stabbed while walking home from school.
Josue Flores was attacked Tuesday in north Houston. Officers arrested a homeless man in the deadly stabbing but later released him.
Flores' killer has not been found.
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Dozens of people angered over the boy's murder marched to Harbor Light Center, a Salvation Army shelter, and demanded action on their homeless residents.
The group says Flores was killed by "an evil man they can only 'presume' is homeless." The group demands the Salvation Army put new rules in place to prevent homeless men from wandering their neighborhood.
Police do not have anyone in custody or charged in this case.
Just an hour ago, the Salvation Army released the following statement:
"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Josue Flores. We join our community in wanting Justice for Josue. We have heard the concerns and want our neighbors to know that we have been working, and will continue to work, with the community and the City to make the neighborhood a safe place to live.
As of tomorrow, Monday, May 23rd, we will make the following change to our Red Shield Lodge homeless emergency shelter: men staying overnight will no longer be asked to leave the Harbor Light Center. Unless they have a job or an appointment to go to, they will remain on our property for the remainder of the week in order to be connected to programs and services. Any man who leaves without a valid reason, will not be allowed to return to the shelter.
This will let the community know that any man out on the streets is NOT a client being served by The Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center & Red Shield Lodge.
As we are already doing, we will continue to work with the community and the City to make appropriate changes to continue to serve our clients and be better neighbors.
The Salvation Army is here to help those most in need and be part of the solution for issues such as homelessness."
Also on Saturday, a group of people held a special walk to honor Flores. The Fearless Walk Movement held what it calls "a march for a change and unity." Their goal is to create a safer passage for children and future generations.
