Dear Editor,

As street activity increases at Bergen Place it is important to differentiate between the types of activity.

People engaged in drug activity are in all likelihood not homeless, but are using Ballard’s growing popularity as a market for drugs. People who are homeless are usually too busy trying to survive to engage in drug activity.

While it’s possible there is some overlap (some homeless folks may be drug customers, although not likely drug dealers), the issues should be addressed separately. Illegal drugs are a law enforcement issue and should be treated as such.

Growing homelessness is a symptom of a society that lacks affordable housing, good paying jobs, treatment for those who do have addictions, etc. There are no easy answers, but some kind of community task force to address the issues is needed, involving community leaders, the police, social services, churches, business, the affected homeless, etc.

David Bloom
Seattle