Submitted by Marilyn Rincon, Feb 1, 2007 15:40

Matthew mentions Joseph Butler in his article, a man that was once homeless. It is unfortunate that he didn't focus on this interview a bit more. It is understandable that young college students would be in it for the money. In reality, it is understandable that anyone in NYC would join a project because it offers them payment. After all, this is an expensive city and many people are just trying to make it through another day. That said, why focus on the compensation aspect of a project that helps make sure that the Department of Homeless Services is doing their job and actually going out of their way to make sure the homeless are counted in regions where they are all too often forgotten, particularly the outer boroughs. The comments by Cassarino were a bit disturbing; there are many people that don't understand homelessness, but, in my opinion, Butler's story was much more powerful. Imagine what an inspirational article this would have been if Matthew had just told us a little more about this strong man that had once been homeless and was now a decoy!

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