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Homeless under I-95 face uncertainty
PennDOT is assessing its options for dealing with the encampment of about 20 homeless supported by Occupy Philly.
Homeless under I-95 face uncertainty
The group of about 20 homeless people who have pitched tents under I-95 in Port Richmond say they feel safer than they did in Center City — or at the shelters around Philadelphia. "We have our own policeman right there," joked one of the homeless, Paul Klemmer, gesturing to a Philadelphia Police car parked nearby. They have food and tents donated by Occupy Philly. And the area is spotless, thanks to regular cleanings by this group that left Occupy Philly on Tuesday ahead of the eviction. But their position on this stretch of land is tenuous at best.
"We're in the position right now of analyzing our options," said Gene Blaum, assistant press secretary at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). "We have very serious concerns about the unauthorized use of property under any interstate highway." He said that PennDOT had been in touch with the city but could not say what action they would take or how soon it might occur.
Nonetheless, rumors are circulating at the encampment that an eviction could come as soon as this afternoon. Klemmer pointed to a man who had told him that an eviction was imminent; the man confirmed he worked for the city, but would not give his name or department. Mark McDonald, the mayor's press secretary, said that the city was involved only insofar as it has sent outreach teams to encourage homeless to use available city services. He said that any eviction would be handled by state police.
Harvey Lockridge, who was staying at Dilworth Plaza before moving to the encampment in Port Richmond, says the group is not part of Occupy, but continues to rely on Occupy and Friends Center workers to support it and to seek out beter housing options. "We're not protesters," he added. "We're ordinary citizens that have no place to live so that we can go on with our lives." He says he hopes the situation under I-95 won't be a long-term solution, but he says bedbug- and rat-infested shelters are not the answer either. "The shelter and housing system has failed us tremendously."
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