WORCESTER, Mass. - A temporary homeless shelter at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Worcester has helped people stay safe during cold winter nights, but nearby residents and businesses are concerned about safety issues outside its walls. 

The shelter opened back in December, and will remain running until March 31. Stephen Hopkins, owner of the nearby Blue Jeans Pizza, said he understands the important role the shelter plays, but some people's behavior outside of it has been bad for business and sometimes dangerous. 

"The neighbors have really suffered," Hopkins said. "There isn't a person I have talked to that isn't outraged, doesn't have a story, whether it's vomit, urine, people sleeping on their front doors, trying to break into their homes."

Last week, a church groundskeeper was assaulted by a shelter resident who was later arrested and banned from returning. Open Sky, the nonprofit operating the shelter, has been working to increase on-site security. 

“This unfortunate incident is not indicative of all or even most of the guests in the shelter,” said Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates. “However, the safety of the neighborhood is of utmost concern and we are working in collaboration with the police department to further boost security outside the shelter.”

Worcester Police Department Lt. Sean Murtha said it's been a priority to keep the neighborhood safe. 

"There really are challenges with this type of situation, we know some residents there suffer from various different issues, it can be tough for the neighborhood," Murtha said. "We have an officer there, a detail officer in the area from 3-11 everyday, and we also have an increased presence footbeats in the area, officers walking around, addressing whatever quality of life issues may come up."

The City of Worcester also has a quality of life team dedicated to the neighborhood. City Manager Eric Batista said it can be difficult to balance the needs of the surrounding community while ensuring people have a place to stay on a cold night.

"We're trying to do the best we can understanding the circumstances of a lot of the families and individuals are in," Batista said. "Right now, rents are high, cost of living is high and there's people in those shelters who are working and then going to the shelters and then going back to work, so we want to be able to provide those services to folks as well."