Staff Reports
The city of Philadelphia will be taking action to clear a homeless encampment in the Kensington section of the city. This area has unfortunately become known as a major “open-air drug market” and a center of the city’s opioid crisis. The current Mayor Cherelle Parker had made it a key promise during her campaign to address the issues surrounding this encampment, and this action is part of her 100 Day Plan to tackle the violence and drug-related problems in the area.
The city has announced that the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of outreach teams as they work to resolve the encampment. This will take place on Wednesday, May 8, and residents have been given notice to dismantle any tents and structures that pose health and safety hazards.
Philadelphia to clear homeless encampment at ‘open-air drug market’ https://t.co/M6lCjKZmUj via @dcexaminer
— JohnnyGuitar (@JohnPalumb60539) May 7, 2024
The Kensington section of Philadelphia has been facing serious challenges due to the widespread illegal drug trade and subsequent consequences. Reports have indicated that gun violence and open drug use are widespread issues in the area. The impact of the opioid crisis has also been significant, with a high number of fatal overdoses and shootings reported in the region.
It’s been reported that many of the individuals in the homeless encampment are dealing with drug addiction. According to recent estimates, there are at least 675 homeless people in this area alone, and city officials believe this number could be even higher.
This action by Mayor Parker is part of her efforts to fulfill her goal to make Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest, greenest, big city” in the nation. The city has been working on the encampment resolution process for a month now, and this move is seen as the final step in addressing the challenges posed by this particular encampment.
