Let's start with the inbox, then I have a question:
Praise the Lord Mr. Green! My husband grew up in homewood from late 1940's until 1970's
He has told me the same stories you have heard, that Homewood was a thriving community.
We have a Church at 7000 -7001 Bennette Street
Called Faith Temple Lighthouse Church,some peole ask why is your church in Homewood and are you afraid? I tell them that I have no reason to be afraid , there is crime everywhere but for the most I'm looking foward to a new and improved,community of Homewood. -- Alice Long, Swissvale
I was born in Homewood and went to Belmar. When I come to visit it always brings tears to my eyes to see Homewood in such a state. I remember how it was to go do on Homewood Ave. To Woolworth and the hardware store. What I don't understand is why can't Homewood be turned around. The grass on Frankstown stand as tall as my 8 year old. There has to be money in the budget for Homewood. There has not been any major change sense the New YMCA and assited living center. There are homes that have emtiy for years. Home that would sell in Atlanta for $3,000000.00 for just the shells. You can buy a house in Homewood for $5000.00 no you will not be about to live in it but, with about $50,000.00 you would have the best house on the block. Homewood had a rich history. One that can not be match with any other part of Pittsburgh. You could go from Boykins resturant all the way down the the Giant Eagle and have everything you need to care for you and your family for a month and never leave Homewood.The money stayed in community. That what needs to come back the money. If Pittsburgh can take care of the HILL they can take care of Homewood.
To all 40 something parents who has your bad #$%^&**^$# kids out on the street scaring up the community. you to take control of your bad %$#@@& kids and help the community get back on it feet. Get your kids to stop the killings enough have died. STOP the blood shed. Stop the drugs. Make city hall work for Homewood now and maybe in five years Homewood can work for the community. -- Lillain E. Howard Campbell, Pittsburgh
Although the crime rate in Homewood is at an all time high I would like to take the time to emphasize on the continuing efforts to minimize drug addiction in the Homewood neighborhoods.
While there may be an enormous amount of dealers on just about every corner there is much hope for the suffering addict. There are alot of programs that are willing and able to help. With a variety of NA meetings, half-way houses and counseling makes the Homewood neighborhoods #1 in drug reform.
Now I'm no expert on journalism, although I love to wright, but I do hope that you publish this in your next article. I'm sure that there are people who don't know this about Homewood. Not only that maybe someone who is in dying need of help to overcome their addiction may read this article. -- Beth K. Drew, Pittsburgh
"An enormous amount of dealers on just about every corner" overstates the case. Most corners of Homewood, most of the time, are empty. But the point about the availability of help still stands.
Receiving two emails back-to-back that referred to churches makes me wonder - I know that there are more than two dozen churches in Homewood. Is there a group that prays for Homewood on a regular basis? If you know of one, let me know when and where you meet and we can post the info here so that others can join you - if only in spirit.
First Published: July 19, 2007, 2:30 p.m.