To the editor:

A recent letter to the editor by Janeine Cardin was critical of a quote made to the Journal-World by Tami Clark, retiring director of the Drop-In Center. Ms. Clark was quoted as saying that most of the city’s homeless are “good people who’ve either made poor decisions or are victims of circumstance.”

Ms. Cardin took exception to the notion that homeless individuals might make poor decisions. She proceeded to list reasons for local homelessness. Her reasons are valid, and reflect social injustice not only on local levels but also on state and national levels. This, however, does not exempt individuals from the consequences of poor decisions. Individual choice, both constructive and destructive, plays an important part in anyone’s life journey. To think otherwise is patronizing and condescending.

While a lack of resources is devastating for struggling individuals and families, many situations can be improved by utilizing services and resources that are available. Individuals can and do make informed, positive choices as they work to build more hopeful lives. It happens every day at the Drop-In Center and other social service agencies in town.

Without a doubt, struggling individuals and families need our compassion and generosity to create more opportunities for them to improve their lives. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of people like Tami Clark those experiencing homelessness have received shelter and services at a time of dwindling resources. Much more work and resources are needed, however, in order to adequately address the growing crisis of homelessness in our city, state and country.

Candice Davis,

Lawrence