Homelessness: Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Wants To Ban Feeding Homeless People In City Parks (How You Can Help)

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS/THE HUFFINGTON POST

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter wants to ban community organizations from feeding the hungry and homeless in city parks.

Nutter says he wants the homeless to eat indoors, where mental health and medical services can be provided.

But organizations that already serve meals outdoors say the ban is a ploy to get the homeless out of high-traffic areas, like the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to many of the city's museums.

Nutter says the true aim is to offer better and safer food to the hungry. He says the city will set up a temporary space for serving meals at City Hall's northwest corner and offer free food safety classes for organizations that want to serve meals.

The ban will take effect following a 30-day comment period.

Disagree with Mayor Nutter's proposed measure? Sign the petition opposing his ban on feeding homeless people in city parks here.

To help Philadelphia's homeless population, consider donating to We Feed the Homeless Philly, an organization that hands out hundreds of bags of meals, and accepts both monetary and food donations. Learn how you can get involved here.

Comments

[jenniferkizzy]

08:00 PM on 03/15/2012

any one can become home less at any point and time in their lives so if you think your not just doing a dis service you are remember we can all be home less see ya bye

[Rhonnybay]

07:41 PM on 03/15/2012

With so many out of work, many shelters are full. The system is bursting at the seems. I'll continue to feed and assist where and how the person needs to be served in that moment.

[Tawny Rabon]

03:42 PM on 03/15/2012

I'm glad I read this before I judged and I think it's a good idea. It keeps it organized and in one spot, it also will probably put a little more ease in the hearts of those who would like to donate their time and money because they would be in a more safer place versus the street.

[Cannadude]

05:40 PM on 03/15/2012

Here in Portland, it's primarily soup kitchens that feed the homeless. There is a 24 hr line outside and down the block. It concentrates the homeless, that's for sure, I wouldn't say that its a good idea though.

[milles manson]

02:53 PM on 03/15/2012

they are like pigeons,if you dont feed them they go away.

[indie go]

04:27 PM on 03/15/2012

How ignorant. Unless you mean, by dying. In which case you are not only ignorant but cruel. Somehow I am led to believe it's both. Not feeding people who are hungry does not give them jobs or resources or a place to sleep. Check your privilege.

[akwindmills]

05:37 PM on 03/15/2012

I think milles is saying that tongue-in-cheek... a commentary on the possible real reason for this ban.

[milles manson]

05:59 PM on 03/15/2012

goverment subsidized lazyness and drug addiction.

[Rhonnybay]

07:38 PM on 03/15/2012

UGLY.

[milles manson]

12:50 PM on 03/16/2012

you see ugly all the time if you work with the homeless so why act as if you are not use to it.

[ladee1017]

02:38 PM on 03/15/2012

Sometimes the only way to reach out to the homeless is in their comfort zone and that is on the street. The medical and mental health services can be provided on the streets from trailers or tents. I do believe that His Honor is attempting to 'apply makeup' to what he feels is the cities 'black eye' and that is to 'cover up' the homeless situation.

[Rhonnybay]

07:39 PM on 03/15/2012

agree.

[Jack Polk]

01:58 PM on 03/15/2012

God Bless the Child ( That can get their own)

[lrusch2]

01:54 PM on 03/15/2012

Some homeless just won't go to shelters. If you are so worried about their health, why not have a "meals on wheels" bike pulling a cart of sandwiches, etc. go thru town every day and just hand out "good" food. You will never get them all off the streets. They will rather eat out of garbage bins. Get to them, and maybe a few will be persuaded to move indoors.

[Cannadude]

05:42 PM on 03/15/2012

Usually the churches want to have a word or two with them in exchange for food. No such thing as an unconditional handout.

[PrincesScorpio]

01:40 PM on 03/15/2012

Out of sight out of mind.............................Mr. Mayor just because you do not want the homeless to be seen by tourist. Pushing them out of the area of being seen is not addressing the issue. SMH!

[Robert A Hayes]

01:25 PM on 03/15/2012

mayor mayor... it's how you do things that count. quietly provide the alternative accomodations then voice that establishment... it may have undertones but doesn't come off as sweeping the problem aside. i am available as a consultant on social sensitivities.

[jerrylewist]

01:11 PM on 03/15/2012

I'm with the orginazations that already help the homeless. I think they know what is really going on. The government just want them out of sight.