Dan Fox is correct that half measures won’t work in trying to convince those who are houseless to transition into some form of shelter (“Half measures won’t move homeless along,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 22).

What Fox suggests, a policy of strict enforcement while also offering choices, describes perfectly the city’s strategy of “compassionate disruption,” which doesn’t allow campers to takeover public spaces, but also offers them a myriad of social services, from emergency shelters to supportive housing.

However, under our U.S. Constitution, homeless campers also have a choice, and that’s to refuse the help that’s being offered, which is the case with many of those who are service-resistant — for example, the campers on Young Street by Walgreens (“Small group of homeless digs in on Young Street,” Star-Advertiser, March 22).

The city will continue its policy of “compassionate disruption,” and part of the battle is convincing campers that our streets are not fit for human habitation.

Marc Alexander,

Executive director, city Office of Housing

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