This letter is in response to Jim Jackson’s letter entitled “Homeless: A Close Encounter.”

Mr. Jackson states in his letter that he was approached by a young man who requested money because he “really needed a little help.” Mr. Jackson replied “I’m sorry, and that it was too bad an able bodied man had to panhandle.” The homeless man said, “I wouldn’t talk that way if the shoe was on the other foot.” He stated back, “The shoe would never be on the other foot.” The homeless man asked him why is that? He stated, “Because I’m not afraid of work.”

I have never written a response to a letter in the Coeur d’Alene Press in the 31 years I have lived here. However, this letter touched a nerve that I can’t ignore. I work for a local nonprofit where I see people facing severe life challenges every day. I sincerely hope that Mr. Jackson doesn’t really think that homelessness could not happen to him. And yes, I hope that for any unfortunate reason that it does, that he has family and friends who will come to his aid.

His telling statements are particularly disturbing because they display his lack of empathy and concern for his fellow man.

Many of our homeless people in Coeur d’Alene do not have support. Let’s start with how single people and families find themselves homeless. Life situations can come and go within the blink of an eye. Challenging situations include family hardships, lack of education, mental illness, economic factors, inflation, financial issues, becoming a widow or widower, bad choices, health issues and horrendous medical bills just to name a few.

Last year, 75 percent of people who filed for bankruptcy and lost their homes had health insurance. How scary is that statistic? In my opinion, the 30-something homeless man who simply asked for a little cash has more intellect, compassion and class than Mr. Jackson will ever have.

Instead of showcasing your ignorance Mr. Jackson, why not show a little compassion and do something to help the homeless community! I wish the choice you had made would have been to give him a dollar or two. It really bothers me to see people who are unfortunate to be in that situation. I have many times given the last dollar I have had to help someone. I think any of us could become homeless. It isn’t something that always happens to the other guy. And yes Mr. Jackson it could happen to you too. Shame on you for judging. Oh, incidentally, the class that he showed was walking away.

I am proud to call Coeur d’Alene my home. We have many compassionate and generous business owners and individuals in our community who go out of their way to assist others. Something you obviously do not practice. I love that we have numerous resources to help people who are less fortunate for WHATEVER reason. So next time, maybe you can extend a hand and let them know of the resources available so they can live a better life. You don’t have to always give money. A simple hello and a smile will make someone’s day a little brighter.

DONNA WEMPLE

Coeur d’Alene