We all should be part of efforts to address the rise of homelessness

As executive director of a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit focused on homelessness, I applaud the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s recent initiative (“Campaign to Support Resources for Homeless Starts With Soup and Conversation,” Oct. 3). I’ve been having daily conversations with neighbors, business owners and community leaders about the increase in people who make their home on the streets and public areas of the city. The increase has meant Light of Life is forced to turn people away from our emergency shelter. There are a few factors contributing to this, and all are bolstered by the unrelenting and deadly opioid epidemic.

The PDP’s plan to engage people in the topic is vital because it’s going to take understanding and support from

of us. Pittsburghers want to help. I urge those looking for ways to help to contact organizations directly involved in providing services to the homeless and addicted in our city.

At Light of Life, we’ve increased outreach efforts to be a good neighbor while caring deeply for the lost souls on the streets. Our part included significant resources, personnel and financial investment. We’ve developed a new webpage and hotline called “Light Line” that can be found at lightoflife.org to assist anyone in addiction or searching for ways to help loved ones.

In the meantime, let’s continue conversations but also delve deep into what is causing more people to become homeless and address those issues head on. CRAIG SCHWEIGER

Executive Director Light of Life Rescue Mission

North Side