To the editor:

I’m sure many people are expressing ideas about ways to help the homeless in Douglas County. Probably one or more people have thought of this: The City of Lawrence could perhaps lease or purchase one of the vacant areas in one of the minimalls in town.

The vacant area could be renovated and refurbished to accommodate some of the city’s homeless. This would provide yet another option for housing the homeless when the weather is extremely bad. Would this idea be financially sensible and economical in terms of how funds from the city budget are used to help the homeless? I am not sure, but maybe someone who can provide accurate estimates of the cost of turning this idea into reality could answer the question.

Charles Gilmore,

Lawrence