Letter: Sidewalk living should not be acceptable

Published 4:09 pm Sunday, February 1, 2026

By Staff Reports

Years ago, when I was penniless, I spent my entire waking moments trying to get a job, which fortunately I was able to do.

We have a lot of homeless people that need assistance: military veterans, mothers with children, people with mental issues. I’m happy to see the new behavioral health building go up to address some of these problems.

However, I see plenty of young people riding bicycles with store-bought cigarettes and cell phones that certainly appear to be able to work. With adequate shelter beds available seems to me that living on the sidewalks should not be an acceptable lifestyle. Look for work, shelter up or leave.

I agree the officers shouldn’t be camping police.

CHRIS CONNAWAY

Astoria