On Sept. 11- 12, 30 leaders from around the world will be visiting the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) to understand the developments in Philadelphia to build the mental health literacy and services.
What’s happening along Gurney Street is something to be celebrated. In just over two weeks since the clean-up project began along a stretch of land owned by Conrail in the Kensington-Fairhill community, more than 250 tons of waste and debris have been removed and fencing is going up to prevent people from becoming injured on or near the railroad tracks. In addition, the fencing serves as a barrier to prevent gathering in the area where folks had engaged in dangerous and unhealthy behavior. In this instance the “C “word, collaboration between City agencies and private partners, has made the difference — the once blighted landscape is no more.
Summer is here –- at last -– and for many people, thoughts turn to fun family getaways, sitting out by the pool or on the beach and sweet treats like ice cream or water ice to cool us down. But for people who are living on the street, these options of summer escapes aren’t so readily accessible. Hundreds of people experience periods of street homelessness in Philadelphia, using street corners, transit hubs and parks as shelter. Heavily-traveled areas, particularly in and around Center City, reveal the faces of this sad reality. And while being homeless can be devastating enough for an individual, the problem is only compounded for those who are also living with an untreated mental illness, addiction, or both.
Much of our country has struggled with the outcome of this election cycle. That’s understandable: negativity, blame, lies, scheming, and misinformation (read: fake news) have plagued this election across both sides of the aisle. The result? Post-election stress.
