New Center for Homeless

* Re “Fanfare, Fear Surround New Shelter,” April 16:

We wonder how Holocaust victims, Japanese Americans interned during World War II, American POWs and others suffering today feel about the Rev. Alice Callaghan’s comparison of the new, downtown homeless drop-in center to internment and concentration camps. Times reporter Bob Pool used professional restraint in describing many at the opening as “rankled.” Deeply offended and disgusted was much closer to it.

Callaghan and others have the right to express their opinions. However, the decision to use a large sign of people behind a barbed wire fence wearing what appeared to be the striped uniforms of Nazi camps was an unconscionable exploitation of human history’s greatest evil. Bad judgment was made worse by the fact that the image was carried by an Episcopal priest who should know better than to cheapen the memory of past evils.

It is puzzling that the few protesters did not engage in more thoughtful reflection. They knew in advance that almost all skid row providers, the homeless in attendance, Councilwoman Rita Walters, Mayor Richard Riordan, the Central City Assn. and the LAPD were in agreement regarding the need for the beautiful, noncoercive and gateless new center.

Approximately 600 homeless people came to seek services, store belongings, take showers, sleep and seek housing. Almost every guest is expressing thanks to the city for building what is probably the most beautiful and compassionate center for the homeless in the country. Los Angeles can be rightly proud.

KEVIN FLYNN, Chairman

BUD HAYES, CEO/Exec. Dir.

SRO Housing Corp., Los Angeles