We are like most cities, we never seem to do much about ending homelessness, we just move it from one place to another. People often are caring and give to food banks, to those feeding the homeless and to other groups which do their best to give some help to those living under staircases, in cars or in abandoned buildings.

But they are still homeless, even many who are trying hard not to be. See this week's report by Dean Wong, Page One and 11.

There is a new element in Ballard now.

The homeless are being swept out of Pioneer Square and downtown by those tired of the problem there. For months, the homeless population in Ballard has been increasing, becoming more visible.

Of more concern, many of them are more aggressive and in the words of one observer, Rudy Pantoja who cleans Market Street, "they dominate the streets."

Another homeless person here is Robert Olsen who says people think homeless are "a worthless piece of crap."

Complaints of lurking in doorways, leaving trash and using spaces for toilets are increasing. Many businesses are worried the people of the street will chase away their customers.

There is word there will be a Tent City in Ballard next spring, and we think that is a good thing for the homeless and for the citizens of our area.

But the only real answer to is find ways to provide home to all of our citizens, but our economy is such that more homeless are being produced. Some in the city try, others in City Hall give lip service, but the problem in Ballard gets worse and worse.

Don't take it out on those who are homesless, though. Some prefer that lifestyle, most do not. We need real measures to help real people.

- Jack Mayne