To the editor:
As a resident of downtown Steubenville and someone who has had the privilege of offering Bible studies and other programs at our city's homeless shelters for several years, I was encouraged by the City Council's interest in finding good solutions for those who live in precarious and often difficult circumstances.
However, I was concerned by the tone of some of the reported comments, which seemed to frame "the homeless" as a problem to be solved rather than recognizing them as individuals, each with unique stories and struggles.
I deeply appreciate that council members took the time to walk around the city and observe firsthand how some of our neighbors are living. I urge them, and others who share their concern, to continue to invest time in getting to know the people they wish to help and understanding the challenges they face so that we can grow together as a community.
Sister Agnes Therese
Davis, TOR
Steubenville