People experiencing homelessness with their pets can find refuge at the Sacred Heart Residence operated by Philadelphia’s Project HOME. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
The pandemic has disrupted every facet of our lives, in ways both benign (toilet paper shortages) and drastic (currently 8.7 million unemployed in the U.S.). Families across the nation have been devastated by loss and hardship. And the crisis has brought renewed urgency to conversations around expanding government support and the social safety net. | From: Next City (Read more.)
Community leaders gathered on a muggy Wednesday morning at Harrowgate Park to celebrate what city officials called a first-of-its-kind grant program meant to strengthen Kensington.
A panel composed entirely of residents chose 20 groups serving people in Kensington, Harrowgate and Fairhill to receive a total of $200,0000. The participatory process took nearly two years.
The neighborhoods have been ravaged by an epidemic of homelessness, crime and litter, all results of the opioid crisis, and long-term residents have for years urged the city to devote additional resources. | From Metro Philly (Read more.)
To mark the end of Pride month and the ongoing fight for adequate housing, members of the Philadelphia chapter of the HIV/AIDS activism organization ACT UP held a protest outside of Mayor Jim Kenney’s condo in Old City. Around 40 ACT UP members and activists gathered to demand more plentiful permanent housing for Philadelphians facing homelessness, many of whom are Black and Brown and LGBTQ+. They also called for an overhaul of the leadership of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS). | From Philadelphia Gay News (Read more.)
Saying the state has to “think creatively,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Wednesday to let hospitals build housing for people experiencing homelessness, a measure that supporters say represents an important step toward better health care.
The idea is that permanent, stable housing is a key to good health. People who are homeless are more likely to be hospitalized more often, to stay in the hospital longer once they’re there, and to require more care during treatment. | The Inquirer (Read more.)
A new pilot program replaces benches with “leaners” at two SEPTA transportation hubs. But some riders are unhappy with the change, including the elderly, disabled and those with kids too short to reach the rails. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)
Artists from Da Vinci Art Alliance and ARTsisters donated nearly 200 original art pieces to SELF Inc., a human services agency that helps transition people experiencing homelessness into new homes. Current and former SELF participants will be able to attend an art exhibit at Ife Wellness Center Wednesday, June 16, and select pieces from the show for their new places. | From WHYY (Read more.)
Los elevadores de la estación de Somerset estaban tan dañados que su reparación se prolongará después de su fecha de reapertura. | From: Telemundo62 (Read more.)
“Emergency maintenance and repair work was needed throughout the station to mitigate damage from urination, human waste, discarded needles and other debris,” SEPTA said in a press release | From: NBC10 (Read more.)
Station users and SEPTA workers have become increasingly vocal about safety concerns at the station, citing drug use happening there and the growing community of people who are experiencing homelessness and using it as a sheltering place.
But those issues are not isolated to Somerset, and the station’s users shouldn’t have to bear the cost, Kensington residents protesting the closure said. | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)
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