City commissioners are enthusiastic about creating a new vision to provide services to Lawrence’s homeless community, but stopped short of funding it for 2008.

Commissioners unanimously approved a vision presented by the Community Commission on Homelessness that calls for the community to operate only one homeless shelter, and create a host of transitional and supported housing options for people in need.

Commissioners praised the new vision as being more understandable and feasible than past plans. But some commissioners said they thought they should hold off on funding the vision until the 2009 budget.

Both Mayor Sue Hack and Commissioner Mike Amyx said they thought 2008 should be used to create an organization that would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the vision.

They also want to use 2008 to fully review city funding for social service agencies that serve the homeless. Commissioners have said they want to ensure that money is being spent in the most efficient manner possible.

Commissioner Boog Highberger, though, urged commissioners to at least consider setting some money aside in the 2008 budget to partially fund the vision.

Ultimately commissioners hope the vision will be funded through a mix of public and private funds.