Homelessness isn’t a crime

Re “Crime and abuse at Union Station,” May 6

I am deeply troubled by the fear mongering in your article about crime and abuse at Los Angeles Union Station.

This narrative promotes the idea that somehow homelessness is a crime, and further endangers the most vulnerable in our community. Painting all people experiencing homelessness as violent criminals with mental health challenges only fuels a stigma that already blocks them from obtaining the support and housing they so desperately need.

Our homeless neighbors are statistically far more likely to be the victims of crime and violence than perpetrators.

We are all deeply troubled by crime and violence. How does putting an equal sign between crime and homelessness help anyone? Drawing assumptions and adding to stigma only make things worse. Stephen Fiechter

Los Angeles The writer is senior director of programs for Los Angeles at People Assisting The Homeless.