Skid Row

I would like to add my support for the views expressed by Clancy Imislund in his column “Skid Row: Not New, and It Won’t Go Away” (Op-Ed Page, Dec. 13). As a fellow service provider in the area, I agree with Imislund’s assessment of the problems facing the people on Skid Row and the need to concentrate on providing services for those who want to help themselves.

At Transition House, our program is geared towards those individuals who are looking to gain employment, become independent and leave the Skid Row trap. In the six years since we first opened our doors, we have helped over 6,000 men and women.

It is a sad fact that a large portion of Skid Row residents are presently incapable of changing their lives. For these people, there is no easy solution. Limited private and public resources should be directed to maintaining and expanding successful programs and providing new services aimed at those who can benefit from them.

MARTHA BROWN HICKS

President

Skid Row Development

Los Angeles