HOMELESS: It's everyone's concern

I was appalled at the overall negative comments in the East Sherman article. First of all, why would anyone leave their 9-year-old child in the car alone, especially in what has been defined as an undesirable area? However, that is hardly my point. Anyone who believes ignoring the homeless issue will make it go away will watch it grow at an alarming rate; just as it has in the last 12-24 months.

Kudos to organizations such as Fresh Start, Dirne Clinic, St. Vincent de Paul and many others helping people who for some cannot help themselves permanently or temporarily. Instead of complaining, why not be part of the solution instead part of the problem?

Do as I did and raise your level of awareness to the issue. Do as I did and get involved in an organization that supports assistance to the homeless.

A significant part of homeless individuals suffer from mental illness or alcoholism. Our citizens have lost their homes to foreclosure and people such as my husband was out of work for a year. Most have nowhere to go, but the streets.

How many of us are one paycheck away from the same situation? Does it not occur to anyone that most of our homeless would prefer to have a warm bed and a meal in their OWN kitchens?

Get involved, help and quit complaining. The private citizens need to take responsibility for their own communities' issues.

CATHY PENLEY

Post Falls