Mayoral Musings: Navigating the Complexity of Homelessness

Mayor Garry Herbert•

Over the last few months, the issue of homelessness has loomed large across Montgomery County, casting a stark light on the intricate challenges faced by both the unhoused individuals and the local governments attempting to address their community’s needs. A recent judicial decision has brought the struggles to the forefront, emphasizing the limitations and intricacies surrounding the crisis both in Pottstown and for every local municipality in the commonwealth.

It is crucial, first and foremost, to approach the issue of homelessness with empathy. The unhoused residents of our community, and every other community, are not solely to blame for their circumstances. Instead, their plight reflects systemic failures in our society. As a community, we must acknowledge that homelessness is not a moral failing of individuals but rather a symptom of broader issues such as housing unaffordability, mental health challenges, and economic disparities.

The recent federal district court order, issuing a preliminary injunction against Pottstown's attempts to criminalize homelessness, sheds light on the intricate legal and societal complexities surrounding the issue. The ruling recognizes a fundamental truth: the unhoused individuals in Pottstown cannot practically obtain shelter when the number of individuals exceeds the available shelter beds. This ruling helps reveal the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, acknowledging the practical barriers faced by those experiencing it.

Furthermore, the court's decision reveals a deeper issue within across the entirety of Montgomery County. The judge's acknowledgment that a significant portion of Montgomery County's unhoused population resides in Pottstown (and surrounding areas) emphasizes the need for a community-wide response, one that transcends municipal boundaries and addresses the regional nature of homelessness. Undoubtedly, the County’s decision to close the 50 bed CHOC facility in Norristown in June gave many people nowhere to go and only exacerbated the issue for every municipality in the region by removing one safety net and not providing even a plan on how to continue to address the issue going forward.

Additionally, the federal case makes clear that local municipalities cannot use safety concerns as a reason for removal of anyone living in public parks. While safety is undeniably important, the judge makes clear it cannot be used as a blanket justification for prohibiting homeless shelters. Furthermore, we cannot levy fines or threats of incarceration against anyone who is unwilling to leave a public park space, especially and particularly, if we have nowhere to send them for shelter.

Considering the reality of the situation we find ourselves in, it becomes even more apparent that a comprehensive, proactive strategy is needed. This strategy should include not only providing immediate relief and shelter but also addressing the root causes of homelessness through investments in affordable housing, mental health services, and economic opportunities. The funding and organization for this initiative should come directly from Montgomery County due the cross-community nature of the issue and the prior removal of services without planning in place to ensure the safety of the people who rely on this critical social safety net infrastructure.

As residents of Montgomery County, we have a collective responsibility to advocate for policies that prioritize compassion, understanding, and systemic change. Homelessness is not an isolated issue; it is a symptom of broader societal failure. By recognizing the humanity of those experiencing homelessness and addressing the systemic issues contributing to their plight, we can work toward creating a community where everyone has a place to call home.

(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)