Shelters help homeless but more help needed

I am writing in response to the article published Nov. 7 about the Interfaith Works shelter. I commend The Olympian in recognizing that this story needs to be told about Interfaith and other shelters working to establish housing for the homeless.

All of these shelters have a waiting list of homeless people who are trying to find housing and a permanent residence. Many of these Individuals also require medical attention.

Due to the fact that this shelter is at its capacity within a year's time of opening its doors, it's apparent we do not have enough shelters or housing. Is that not sending out alarming signals to us the people in the communities of just how many homeless people live in the surrounding area and uses our shelters and need housing?

Thurston County has a housing plan of 10 years that was established in 2010 and the plan is to reduce the homeless population and acquire housing. Unfortunately, this plan needs to be revised due to the increasing homeless population. Additionally, many of these homeless people have mental illnesses and need medical support services.

If more funding and other resources were channeled toward the homeless in providing more transitional and permanent housing for the homeless then the shelters would not have a waiting list.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Shelters help homeless but more help needed."