To the editor:

In response to Mary Siegrist’s public forum letter “Progress?” (Journal-World, Aug. 24):

I have been a private housing provider in Lawrence for over 30 years. Today, we are awash with vacant/available rental properties, individual tenant rents are lower than ever, and numerous non-profit facilities serve the housing needs of special populations including two publicly promoted overnight shelters (the Salvation Army and the Lawrence Open Shelter). “Progress” continues with the commissioner’s acceptance of the report of the Task Force on Homeless Services which will eventually evolve into another city-appointed commission.

This community has knocked itself out attempting to identify the needs of the homeless individual and integrate that person into housing, jobs and positive citizen participation. The homeless issue could best be served by that oft-quoted phrase of “follow the money” which, in this case, is the income received by each “homeless” individual.

My anecdotal view is that most residents of the shelters have a personal income which, by that person’s choice, is not designated for contractual, committed housing. Reality is that the basics in life are “free” in Lawrence: food, clothing, physical/mental health care, transportation, and shelter.

There is an approach which will guarantee a move toward fewer homeless. This writer proposes that the Lawrence City Commission ask our Kansas legislative delegation to consider action to require public funds distributed to the homeless be used to secure housing for the recipient. This results in a win-win situation for the homeless, housing providers, the city of Lawrence, and the state of Kansas.

James C. Dunn,

Lawrence