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NH Shelter Taking Unique Approach Draws Addicts Across State Lines

MANCHESTER, N.H. (CBS) -- Most homeless shelters have a no drug or alcohol policy. Those wishing to stay are asked to sober up before they can get in.

But not a shelter known as the 'day center' in Manchester, NH.

The problem, according to Police Lt. Brian O'Keefe, is that it's drawing a huge crowd from other cities -- even other states.

"We want to take care of those who need help, but it seems to have gotten to the point where a lot of people from all over have come to utilize the services meant originally for Manchester residents," O'Keefe told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

O'Keefe said the so-called 'wet shelter' may be the driving force behind the spike in town's opiate addiction.  People who live in nearby towns and states and already have a drug addiction are flocking to the shelter and staying, O'Keefe said.

"I've seen treatment workers from facilities out of state dropping people off," said O'Keefe. "I've spoken to them firsthand."

The solution, according to O'Keefe, is to add more treatment centers across the state.

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