Letter: End chronic homelessness by Teresa Barnes – February 13, 2021

I’m writing in response to The Astorian’s recent article (Feb. 4) about the “lawlessness” in the Ninth Street park, discussed at the Feb. 1 Astoria City Council meeting, and to address a theme I heard at the meeting: the safety of our residents.

In reference to business owners who feel threatened, councilors repeatedly expressed the importance of keeping Astoria’s residents safe. I agree with them. But rather than view public safety as an issue with business owners on one side and the unsheltered on the other, I ask our leaders to pursue solutions which provide safety for all residents….

Read the letter in The Astorian here.

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

~Edward Everett Hale

“To end homelessness, a community-wide coordinated approach to delivering services, housing, and programs is needed.” —National Alliance to End Homelessness

“One thing is certain: There is almost always resistance from individuals and organizations seeking to defend the status quo.” —Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives

“… middle-class values cannot be imposed on those who have had no access to middle-class comforts.” —Lloyd Pendleton