I’ve never done this before but am compelled to do so.

As a person that works with the homeless, not houseless, homeless, and as a homeless person myself, I found the Addison Independent’s July 4 article on Steven Parsons to be quite self-serving.

Using his tragic death by his own hands it seems that people are jumping in to throw out excuses and rigmarole talking points, when in fact they did not help or know this person.

I knew him well, and know the person that spoke to him right before his action to end his life.

Who knew? Homeless people are struggling?

I find it quite frustrating that this human’s death is being used in this article. He was failed upon in many levels, and no doubt, his own will to live.

I also object to the GQ-style photo of an activist, and thank you for your work, with someone else’s belongings in the background.

I consider that just in bad taste.

Steven was a very complicated man, capable of deep peace and deep anger.

We had many conversations. He was a man of peace, of volatility, of rage, of love, of humor.

He was a person that should have been cared for. Because he was striving to care for others. He just didn’t know how yet.

I shall remember him for the rest of my life. If nothing else, he helped me.

Will Benson

Weybridge