Re: “83 homeless counted in Renton survey,” Renton Reporter, Feb. 1, 2013

Was anything done more than counting? And what’s 59 of “unknown  gender?”

The facts remain as such: Homelessness is inherently NOT a crime. In fact,  in this current economic era of foreclosure, many people are actually a paycheck away from homelessness.

There is so very much more to this social ill than the overly simplistic viewpoint that we are just to be counted, then run out of town into another jurisdiction to make city stats seem like we can lure more business to pad pockets with.

Ask yourself how you’d feel if you were reduced to relieving yourself in public and getting a $500-plus ticket when every store has a sign that says, “No public restrooms?” Where would you do your nature call?

This was a miscount! There’s more than 83 homeless in Renton. That’s all the bean counters cared enough to number before they quit after three hours. That never accounted for those who were so camouflaged that nobody would ever notice. It neglected those of us who may have had a rare night with a friend to avoid hypothermia. It didn’t account for those in jail to get “three hots and a cot.” It didn’t mention those in hospitals dying from exposure; it didn’t contend for those trying to stay warm by riding buses just for the heat.

The numbers were skewed just for funding purposes.

Next time you don’t want a tent city in your precious hood, continue your genocide and we’ll see you on the streets.

Bob Powell,

Renton