Photograph by Matthew Lickona

I have noticed how people look at the homeless with fear and disdain. So I make it a point to smile at them, and I can see the impact it makes.

Our worst ever?

The cover story this week has got to be THE WORST article you’ve ever published (“Less Lonely Out Here”, Cover Story, August 29). There’s nothing cute or funny about all the strung-out junkies on our streets and public transit. I’ve stopped using public transit mainly because the trolley has turned into a rolling homeless shelter, and the buses are no better.

The Reader probably supports increased use of public transit, but you’re not going to get most people to use it if it’s perceived as filthy and unsafe which is what we’ve got today. The current state of affairs is miserable, and this stupid article only celebrates it. The “standing/sitting zombies” are disgusting and need to be off our streets and trolleys and in a hospital. The writer should have her head examined, and you should stop printing dumb stories like this one.

Alex Green

La Mesa

Cute, fuzzy costume for the homeless

Finally, a cover story about the homeless population that isn’t simply outrage at their existence or deciding where to put them next (“Less Lonely Out Here”, Cover Story, August 29).

HOWEVER, my intrigue quickly turned to dismay when I saw you had simply taken the “homeless” and dressed them up in a cute, fuzzy costume. A well written article by the author, but the issue remains the same. Homeless people are people, as some need reminding. But this homeless population doesn’t camp out for funsies. We can debate about “choice” forever. But the fact is, it’s not just a few people on the streets. It’s a community. A community of people with nowhere to go and very limited options. How about an article about what we can do or not do to help? How about organizations that help? Or how about printing resources for the homeless in The Reader? I’m sure many use it as pillows, but some of us still care to read a bit of it.

Also please stop posting neighborhood news about Hillcrest housing. It’s been 9 months of the same crap.

Kimmy J.

Ramona