Homelessness is a harsh and brutal existence at any time of the year, but more so in the depths of winter. It’s always been a curious thing that the two local homeless shelters force people to endure the drudgery of tramping the streets for nine hours a day.

When the mind is numb from loss of home and possessions, hope quickly fades. It is even more difficult to face the world being known as homeless, avoiding the glaring looks of those who quickly label the homeless as derelicts.

Should the boards of directors of those homeless shelters be revisiting the policies that require their residents continue their homeless state for part of the day?

Thomas Day, Lewiston