To the editor:

The Lawrence Journal-World Editorial titled “City, County must step up on shelters” (Feb. 16) conveys two misconceptions: one, the writer does not fully acknowledge the challenges for the Lawrence Community Shelter in opening 35 additional beds on cold winter nights. Two, the piece misses how churches can be a positive force for ending homelessness in our community.

I serve as a volunteer receptionist at the shelter. I am privileged to see firsthand the hard work of the dedicated LCS staff. They do all they can to ensure the safety of our 105 guests, 19 of whom are children. Safety is the real issue in opening extra beds. For the shelter to be a safe place for all, it is paramount that the shelter be given the financial means to hire and retain enough professional staff.

When our local faith communities open their doors for an emergency bed and other churches lend volunteer support, a positive ripple effect is set in motion. Church members get to know personally people who are experiencing homelessness. They listen to their stories, learn their names. Church volunteers become informed on what causes people to live on the street. These volunteers in turn become generous donors. When congregations act in this way, they set a moral example, reminding us that behind every statistic is a person.

Together, our local government entities, faith communities and citizens can eliminate homelessness in our community.

Peter A. Luckey,

Lawrence