On Closing Encampments: A proactive approach

Winter is inherently a fraught time to talk about homeless encampments. We are starting with the presupposition that no one should be sleeping outside in below-30 degree temperatures. 

It’s obviously deadly. 

But what happens when construction crews begin mobilization work this coming spring in Upper Gwynedd Township on 60 apartments and encounter people camped out? At the township commissioners meeting Nov. 17 when Cornerstone at Pennbrook received final approval, representatives of the developer said they would establish communication with social service providers in the area – such as Access Services’ street outreach – to help those in need. 

Ed Speitel Jr., of the Walters Group, noted they had preliminary conversations with Access Services months ago. The goal for people living near the 5.65-acre site remains “trying to help to find them a suitable alternative of some sort.”  

The current site at 1500 Pennbrook Parkway is vacant.

Additionally, a 20-bed supportive housing facility is expected to open in the coming months at North Wales Road and Main Street, under a contract between Montgomery County and RHD. 

Meanwhile, a statewide advocacy organization – the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania – is encouraging the adoption of a new approach to encampments. 

The four core elements: 

1. Encampment-focused strategy that is proactive and engages municipalities and property owners. 

2. Bring services to the encampments 

3. Line-up landlords in advance to accept a rental subsidy 

4. Housing-centered response, not shelter   

In Montgomery County, lining up landlords to accept rental subsidies would likely prove to be a steep challenge, given the long wait-list for a Housing Choice Voucher and high cost of rent.

Nevertheless, a proactive, comprehensive strategy is a laudable goal and would be an improvement over the status quo.