There are several possible ways to help someone on Death Row. Writing to him/her is among the most important, as these men and women are isolated from each other, and often from their families and friends as well.

Gene Hathorn has been on Death Row for 17 years.
Before his transfer to the Polunsky Maximum Security Prison located in Livingston, Texas, he was able to hold a prison job, participate in group recreation, watch TV, do in-cell craft work, and attend group religious services.

None of these activities are available at the Polunsky Unit, so Gene sits in his cell 23 hours per day with little to do but stare at the walls.

Sensory deprivation has been condemned by scientists and writers such as Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens, by psychiatrists, and many other experts, but it is a dark reality in modern American prisons.

Death Row prisoners may receive visits from their friends and family, and it is good when this happens. But to avoid losing one's mind in a place where it is easy to go insane is a daily stuggle. Almost 1/4 of the incarcerated population could be considered mentally ill. Some had troubles prior to their incarceration, but many became insane after experiencing the isolation of the prison's Special Housing Units. It is difficult for we in the free world to have any idea of what this hell is like. When there are so many prisoners asking to die --they are called "volunteers"-- it is usually because death seems more attractive than life in a Supermax Control Unit.

This why a letter means a lot, and you can write to Gene in different ways and for different reasons:

You can write him to share your common love of literature, or common dislike of capital punishment. As the webmaster of this site I have only one request, which is an important one: If you wish to write Gene, you need to know that you are sending hope. Hope on which to build a friendship, and friendship requires time, patience, trust and respect from both sides. Take your time before sending the first letter, think it over, as correspondence between a condemned person and someone in the free world should not be taken lightly. Of course, if you realize that because you do not share the same interests you need to end the correspondence, you can, but please express your wishes to your pen-pal.

If you wish to write private letters to Gene you may send them to this address:

Gene W. Hathorn
# 000800
Polunsky Unit
3872 FM  350 South
Livingston, TX 77351
USA

Hate mail: Some people feel a need to express their hatred and lack of respect for incarcerated human beings. I do not think these people should be ignored, as they contribute to an understanding of America's diverse viewpoints. Therefore Gene and I have decided to establish a specific section for these letters. If hate mail is sent directly to Gene the sender won't receive an answer, but his letter will be posted in the Hate-Mail section. It is better to send your anger by e-mail at the following address: fabian@genehathorn.net

All information and supporters from Italy about and for Gene Hathorn, please contact Francesca at:
francesca@genehathorn.net