I read with interest your Sept. 7 article on the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), by Wes Smith (“Doubters throw stones at priest’s plastic houses/Cheaper abodes for Appalachia arouse criticism,” Main news).
I’ve followed this organization with interest over the last five to six years, and I think Monsignor Ralph W. Beiting has done a marvelous job of helping this depressed area of the United States.
Why, however, are people finding fault with some of his work? Under the circumstances, these plastic houses were the best solution to the dire need of some families. Burnt-out houses and others not fit to live in call for immediate action. Besides, the article mentioned that these shelters are being used in Third World countries. Has anyone from the Tribune investigated to see how they are holding up?
Chicago, heal thyself. The high-rise apartments in the inner city are in very sad condition. Even when they were being built, poor-quality materials were used and things fell apart.
