To the editor:
I was disheartened to read the article in Sunday's edition about the result of the homeless car wash ("Homeless car wash shut down by city," July 31). This is a terrific example of taxpayer money going to waste. Couldn't the city of Lawrence better allocate its resources than to send a water technician out on the weekend to undercut the homeless softball team? Any fine levied for a car wash benefiting such a cause would be an absolute travesty. In addition to waiving the fine, the city of Lawrence should pay the team's entry fee.
Brian Collins,
Lawrence
Comments
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craigers (anonymous) says…
Why aren't they raising money so they can find homes or apartments to live in? How could you really want to play softball when you can't go home and relax afterwards? I don't see how softball should be a priority. This is purely my opinion.
bjohanning (anonymous) says…
The homeless are a problem in Lawrence, but it is more of a problem of illness. Many of these individuals have very real medical (mental) problems and who knows a baseball team my help them belong and give them direction.
smitty (anonymous) says…
As stated in other posts, I have an association with two transients known as street kids. They told me of other shelter's requirements. It is common to assist with chores to pay for your keep. No sexual predators, no drugs, no alcohol allowed. Rules are strict and tough love abounds in these shelters. Here is an excerpt from a tough love christian sponsered non-profit shelter that they stayed at.
...Ways You Can Help the Homeless:
1. Use discretion when giving cash to a homeless person. While you may receive a blessing from giving, your gift may not be used as intended. Too often, well intended gifts are converted into drugs or alcohol - even when the "hard luck" stories a homeless person tells is true. If the person is hungry, try to buy him or her some food, or direct the person to your local Mission.
2. Recognize that homeless people are not all the same. The people you meet may be an addicted veteran, a con artist, someone who has lost a job, mentally ill, or a battered spouse. Don't try to rescue them, but refer them to your local Mission. We have staff who are trained to deal with these kind of problems.
3. Talk to the person with respect. Many of the homeless are consumed by isolation, depression, guilt and paranoia. If a homeless person approaches you, a friendly response (even when saying "no") can help restore a degree of dignity.
4. Pray for the homeless. The harshness of street life, and lack of personal purpose, can fill homeless people with despair and continue the cycle of destructive choices. God can use your prayers to help heal their brokenness.
5. Take precautions for your own safety. Always be alert and cautious when you talk to someone on the streets. Stay in areas where other people can see you, and don't take unnecessary chances. Don't feel that you are being uncaring if your personal safety is in question.
Quite different than what the wet shelter does here. When I approached the staff of the community shelter I have been threatened by the indigents, put out by the staff, and told by a case manger it was none of her concern what the indigents did once they left the wet shelter grounds.
Why is the city contributing to the funding of this wet shelter when such disregard is shown for the neighborhood and the city?