REGARDING 'There are empty houses in abundance' (LET December 3), I would like to try and answer the questions asked.

First, we have a homeless problem in Blackburn because of the lack of help and the discrimination towards homeless people that exists.

If you are unemployed or you have issues which are beyond your control you are dumped to the bottom of the housing waiting list and if you are under 18 years of age and homeless, it is very difficult to get a housing association property.

"Well get a job" I hear you say. Have you ever tried to explain to an employer that you would like a job but have no address? It is very difficult to get past that kind of discrimination.

Then, there are approximately six housing associations but they all have merged together, so you fill in one form, then wait and bid for homes. But lots of people are bidding for the same houses.

So instead of getting at homeless people and telling them to get their acts together, I propose we help them. After all, regeneration have plenty of money to do so.

SARAH ROBINSON, Blackburn (address supplied). Former homeless person.