Six panelists with very different perspectives on homelessness discussed the issue with about three dozen community members at the sixth annual Town Meeting on Homelessness on Saturday afternoon.

The event, which took place at Library Public Library, 707 Vt., focused on promoting dialogue within the Lawrence community and looking toward solutions in the area.

“It’s going to take the creativity, resolve and the will of all us,” said moderator Boo Tyson, of addressing homeless concerns in Lawrence. “We’re not talking about anything that has a ‘poof’ solution.”

Speakers ranged from local business owner Peter Zacharias and Trinity Lutheran Church pastor Gary Teske to a former homeless man, Pat Maier, and Prairie Park Neighborhood President Lindsey McCaig.

Concerns and opinions varied throughout the two-hour session.

Zacharias expressed concerns about what he termed a “ballooning” of the homeless population downtown, something he said has had a negative impact on downtown business and the community.

“Over the years, we’ve seen quite a change,” said Zacharias of the homeless population, which he says has become more problematic to Lawrence residents.

Concerns were also aired about the proposed Lawrence Community Shelter move to east Lawrence, next to the Douglas County Jail, 3601 E 25th St.

McCaig discussed potential issues — such as drug and alcohol usage — she sees if the shelter moves into the Prairie Park neighborhood.

“There needs to be real accountability,” she said, adding that it’s a community issue that she wants to help with.

“Let’s work toward a solution that works for everyone,” she said.

Maier, who used to stay at Lawrence Community Shelter, praised efforts by those in Lawrence working to make a difference, and said those efforts can, and do, pay off.

“I’ve met a lot of people who, given the right opportunities, move in the right direction,” he said.