Mayoral Musings: Building hope through rapid rehousing

I hope everyone has enjoyed a fantastic holiday break and had a chance to celebrate with friends and family!

I am thrilled to share some incredible news that represents a significant step forward for our community (and is a great way to end 2024). As some of you may know, thanks to the support and funding of Montgomery County, we are proud to announce the opening of a new rapid rehousing facility at 1107 East Main Street. This initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of homelessness in a compassionate, practical, and community-focused way.

First, let me clarify what this new facility is—and what it is not. The rapid rehousing facility is not a permanent shelter; it is a transitional space designed to help unhoused individuals secure stable, long-term housing elsewhere in the county. With an estimated occupancy of around 20 people at a time, and an average stay of 45 days, this facility is a practical solution to help those in need find permanent homes while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area. It is a measure born not of convenience but of necessity—and of an unyielding belief in the dignity and potential of every person.

This location was carefully chosen for its proximity to essential services, such as Manna on Main Street, its proximity to existing public transportation services, and because it is surrounded by mostly non-residential buildings. Rest assured, like any other tenant in Lansdale, the facility is required to comply with all borough codes to ensure property values and neighborhood standards are upheld. If these requirements are not met, appropriate action will be taken.

The decision to support this initiative comes from a place of deep care for our community. Several months ago, the increasing number of unhoused individuals in our parks prompted many concerned residents to attend public meetings seeking answers. The need for a solution was clear, and together with the County, we developed a plan that not only addresses immediate concerns but also provides a pathway to long-term stability for our unhoused neighbors.

It’s important to understand the faces behind the statistics. Over half of those experiencing homelessness are employed, many working tirelessly to support families while struggling to keep a roof over their heads. They are parents reading bedtime stories in parked cars, teenagers studying for exams in dim light, and seniors who have given decades of service only to find themselves priced out of their homes. These are not strangers, they are our neighbors, and their plight demands our attention. Let us recognize the truth: they are far more likely to suffer harm than to cause it. They need protection, not rejection.

To lift one is to lift all. A stable home allows individuals to contribute more fully to society, reduces strain on public resources, and enhances the overall health and safety of our community. By working together to support this rapid rehousing facility, we are not only helping those in need but also reinforcing the values that make Lansdale such a wonderful place to live.

Our borough’s progress speaks for itself. Over the past eight years, property values in Lansdale have more than doubled, and our crime rate has significantly declined—down 6.5% year-over-year and nearly 23% compared to a decade ago. With a growing population nearing 19,000 residents in just three-square miles, we continue to invest in infrastructure, including the proposed $3.5 million renovation of White’s Road Pool and a comprehensive traffic study to improve congestion.

This new facility reflects our collective commitment to making Lansdale a better place for everyone. I understand that change can bring questions and concerns, and I want to assure you that we will work with Montgomery County to ensure the facility is managed responsibly. This is a vital service, and we are dedicated to ensuring it works for everyone in our community.

As we open this new chapter, I ask each of you to step forward—not as bystanders, but as architects of Lansdale’s future. The strength of our community lies in our unity, in our willingness to shoulder challenges together and celebrate successes as one. Together, we can amplify the impact of this facility, extend its reach, and ensure that no one is left behind. This is a moment to show what Lansdale truly stands for—a borough built not only on progress but on the shared commitment to lifting one another up.

Let us march forward, hand in hand, to build a Lansdale that inspires not just admiration but action, not just growth but shared success. I look forward to building that future with all of you in 2025 and beyond.

(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.)