Readers React: Keeping sidewalks clean isn’t ‘criminalizing’ homelessness

To the editor: The phrase “criminalization of the poor” is simply a mask for the removal of all laws that protect residents from the noxious behavior of transients. (“U.S. task force warns cities on efforts against homeless camps,” Sept. 6)

The Times spouts this misleading characterization of modest controls that once protected residents. In the process, it turns a deaf ear to residents who find it unbearable to live with the harassment, loud nighttime noise, trespassing, thefts and defecation, urination and inebriation that spring from homeless encampments, which are often right next to our homes.

There is no evidence to support the federal homelessness task force’s contention that breaking up encampments makes it harder to get homeless people into permanent housing. The voiding of vagrancy laws and tolerance of encampments actually make the homeless more “service resistant,” as they become habituated to their outdoor lifestyles and the drugs that are often a part of it.

Mark Ryavec, Venice

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To the editor: Trying to keep the streets safe and clean for everyone doesn’t give the Los Angeles City Council the license to empower police to confiscate and destroy a homeless person’s belongings. I don’t believe there is anyone who would willingly hand over their belongings, even among those who don’t have a place to live.

City Hall is trying to solve the issue of what to do with homeless people’s stuff without first finding a way to help them have a comfortable and safe place to stay.

It is understandable for people in the community to complain about being surrounded by the homeless, but as a community it is also important to find a way to help.

Manuela Baltodano, Lawndale

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