Feedback: July 31, 2026

Luv Note

Short & Sweet

One More for LD

Homelessness and Health

Dear Editor,

Currently, the city of Austin’s strategy for addressing homelessness is centered on a Housing First approach. This means that it focuses on providing stable housing for those experiencing homelessness first, then connecting them with resources and reducing barriers to services. This is a well-supported, evidence-based approach. However, there is one addition that could make a substantial difference for this population: partnering with syringe service programs (SSPs) and other related health services.

SSPs and other harm reduction methods are often seen as encouraging or promoting drug use. However, research suggests the opposite. According to the CDC, participants in syringe service programs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment and more than three times more likely to stop injecting drugs. SSPs provide safe and sterile injection equipment, proper disposal methods, and naloxone. They also typically provide disease testing and referrals to treatment and other support services.

The reason for incorporating SSPs into the current homelessness strategy is that substance use is closely connected to homelessness. People experiencing homelessness who use substances are much more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors and, as a result, are at greater risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and other preventable diseases.

Without partnerships with SSPs, there is a significant gap in the wraparound services that the city is working to provide. Adding these partnerships would strengthen the current strategy by connecting participants to harm reduction services, improving access to healthcare, and creating another pathway toward treatment and better overall health.

Cambrie Priesmeyer

Attn: Cornyn & Cruz

Dear Editor,

This is a letter to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, whose estimated net worth is $1.8 million, annual salary $174,000 with full benefits compliments of the U.S. taxpayer, and to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, whose estimated net worth is $3 million-$6 million, annual salary $174,000 with full benefits compliments of the U.S. taxpayer. 

I am an 81-year-old retiree; my field was community and regional planning. A mother of four, grandmother of two, all of whom graduated from college.

I will not be able to afford to buy food this coming month.

Will you?

If you answered yes, that is a double problem. You see, you not only are a part of the cause of the problem, you are a heartless b******d taking advantage of Texans and U.S. taxpayers.

You are supposed to be a public servant that serves the people of Texas devoted to seeing that we have access to human rights. Nutritious food is a human right.

There is plenty of food on this planet for every man, woman, and child. The only reason people go hungry is due to the greed and avarice of a few, and apparently you are one of those few – you and your orange tinted leader, Donald J. Trump.

Necessities have gone up since Trump was elected.

Some over 25%.

My only income is Social Security.

I worked and paid taxes for over 40 years while helping to send two husbands, four children, and myself to college.

Me and my family, as well as my parents and brother, have contributed to the U.S. economy for generations.

You and your cronies have sucked the American people dry and will leave a pile of dry bones when you leave office as your legacy.

You will be responsible for the Fall of the U.S. Empire.

Sincerely,

Dona J. Evans