To the editor:

What makes Mr. Hemphill and Mr. Zacharas feel that their voices should count for more (Journal-World, Feb. 13) than the other voices in this community that have also weighed in on the difficult problems facing homeless citizens in our community?

It seems to me the task force, after a year of study and deliberation, has listened attentively and courteously to all of the diverse voices who have weighed in on this urgent community issue.

Only now will they begin to finalize their thinking — and then to present it to our City Commission for their further consideration.

In my mind, I am personally hoping that the final recommendations of this patient task force and of our City Commission will not be vindictive, will not penalize or label or stigmatize those who, through mental illness, addiction, physical disabilities, lack of health care and/or money enough to pay our high rents find themselves in need of supportive services from this community, hopefully, until they can get back on their feet.

When people are treated with dignity and respect and are freed from extreme physical and mental insecurity, when there is a wind of hope and help in their lives, when our whole community comes together to provide the detox facility and mental health unit, the adequate shelter and transitional housing we need, I believe our merchants will no longer be able to distinguish these citizens from others who are downtown.

Hilda Enoch,

Lawrence