Letter: Las Vegas needs more sympathy for the homeless

Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 | 4:26 a.m.

Unfortunately, homelessness is increasing not only in Las Vegas, but also all over the United States. I am saddened to hear professional people like Mayor Oscar Goodman claim that the area of Foremaster and Main is filled with rapists and murderers and that they are killing each other. Although there may be a few criminals in the homeless population, reading your fine newspaper every day, I notice many, many more crimes are committed by "housed individuals."

It's very easy to pick on people who can't fight back. There are people out there in our fair city working to help the homeless. I am talking about the Nevada Health Centers, Straight From The Streets, and Metro's HELP Team Outreach, all of whom are doing such a fine job without city dollars.

Many people feel that Las Vegas is a city without a heart. When you criticize homeless people, it shows us in a cold, uncaring light. Recently in New York City, still recovering from the tragedy of Sept. 11, people became very upset about mistreatment of the homeless. In these hard economic times we must show sympathy for those who are "down on their luck."

MYRNA LEFFERTS