SafeStreetsPhilly




UPDATES:

 

May 11, 2023: Support Philly City Council ANTI-Safe-Injection-Sites legislation and attend the May 25th City Council meeting, City Hall, Room 400, 10:00 am.  Please come prepared to speak. There's a sign-up sheet in the hallway. You may not get more than 2 minutes. It's best to write out what you want to say – about 320 words – and speak clearly, because the acoustics are horrible in that room.  Hope to see you there.  Lynn Landes 714-204-2690

 

Jan 18, 2023: Support Needed For Potential Litigation To Help End Rampant Lawlessness In Philadelphia & Nonenforcement of State Laws

 


Feb 16, 2022

 

Thankfully, in many parts of the city the problem of the homeless and panhandlers is not as bad as it was two years ago due to the constant calling to 911 by our members and other citizens, although the subway has taken a hit.
 

Last week we called on two homeless encampments (actual wood huts) that were built in the woods across from Lemon Hill, and in clear sight of hundreds of people who walk in the park. In this case, we emailed the head of Fairmount Park Maintenance, Susan Buck, and she responded immediately. It will be cleaned up this week or next. We'll keep our eye on it.
 

In addition, stem vent covers have been installed in several spots in the downtown area of 12th Street and Market Street to prevent the homeless from blocking the sidewalk and sleeping on them. We requested this two years ago, so we are very grateful that they have finally been installed. Now, we're asking that the Mural Arts Program or similar group paint them so that they are as attractive as possible.
 

Also, the Department of Homeless Services appears to be more quickly responding to complaints. That said, violence across the city is up due to the Covid mandates/school shutdowns/quarantines (i.e., kids not in school), lack of "boots on the ground" and enforcement by the police, and lack of prosecutions by the District Attorney's Office. So, keep calling 911 and our political leaders and see below for more info.
 


March 5, 2020

 

Below is some, but not all of what we have accomplished. We call 911 every day several times because it became clear to us that the police don’t do anything unless someone complains.  We assume that’s because they don’t want to be accused of harassing people, but frankly it means that we have to do their job for them.  We found that simply calling 911 and 311 is not enough (i.e., Homeless Outreach & CDC).  And often, the local management of franchises are also not responsive. So, instead we go to the top and contact the heads of various government departments, local businesses, and franchises in our area.  We have gone on enumerable personal visits, sent emails, and made phone calls to countless CEOs, business owners, and security personnel in the area. And we would like you to do the same!

All that said, many of these problems would be solved if the city would provide shelter and services to these special needs groups, as well as enforce the law under Titles 9 & 10. 

 



Contact: Lynn and Cliff Landes / LynnLandes@gmail.com / Center City, Philadelphia