To the editor:

The homeless situation has grown worse in Lawrence over the past 20 years. During this time much effort has been put into the study of homelessness by city leaders and members of the community. It is a complicated problem that requires help from many areas — city, state and federal. No one action is going to solve this expanding problem that exists throughout the country.

A large portion of the homeless population has mental health issues, alcohol and drug addictions, all of which are made worse by not having adequate services, or stable living conditions. Are there enough treatment centers and transitional living facilities? Many other homeless individuals and families have found themselves lacking resources due to job loss or illness. How do you recover and find work with no shelter, home or adequate medical care?

The homeless situation is a reflection of our moral priorities. Our Legislature just refused to expand Medicaid federal funding for statewide health care services. Today the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Low rent in Lawrence is $700 a month, and the average price of a home is now $355,000. The average cost of child care for preschoolers ranges from $400-$1,000 a month. What about the cost of transportation and insurance? Imagine how hard it must be to survive without the resources of a good-paying job, child care, education, housing and adequate health care. Even college-educated professionals are having a hard time.

Basic resources are needed to succeed in life. Tough love is not the answer. With compassion and changing economic understanding we can improve opportunities so that everyone can survive and thrive with dignity.

Candice Davis,

Lawrence