Homeless Face Background Checks

Doing their part to protect the homeless, a shelter in Harrisonburg, VA is running background checks as well as alcohol and drug tests on the many people lining up outside their door. The measure is to protect those who are living a life of sobriety on the streets from the potential threat of those who are not.

The recent cold that's been ravaging the United States these last few weeks have many of the nation's homeless scrambling to save their lives. Though temperatures have moderated somewhat in the last week, Harrisonburg, VA still faces single digits. Executive Director of Mercy House, Twila Lee said the doors are open to anybody, but they must meet certain requirements.

Anybody not eligible for shelter in Mercy House will be accepted at the Salvation Army.