The problems with DiCicco's bill, beyond its sheer inhumanity, are manifold. Frivolous citations would create legal problems for homeless people, hampering their efforts to get housing and services and break the cycle of homelessness. Violations of their basic rights could lead to costly litigation. And enforcement would waste precious city resources while forcing many homeless people out of Center City and into nearby neighborhoods, shifting the problem rather than solving it.
But the worst aspect of the bill is that it represents a huge step backward for Philadelphia. The city is seen by many as a leader in developing effective solutions to homelessness, and the number of people on the streets is dramatically lower than in other major cities.
The current Sidewalk Behavior Ordinance has in fact helped, emphasizing supportive services over criminalization. When it was passed, the city committed $6 million to enhanced homeless outreach and entry-level residences, which significantly reduced the number of people on the streets of Center City in subsequent years.
In fact, as idealistic as it sounds, Nutter's goal of ending chronic homelessness in Philadelphia is not far-fetched. Even in recent months, despite the severe economic downturn, we have seen signs of the city's continuing progress in the battle against homelessness.
Covenant House recently opened a new facility for homeless youths. Project H.O.M.E. and Bethesda Project - with much support, it should be noted, from the nearby business community - recently opened Connelly House, providing 79 units of Center City housing for men and women who were once on the streets.
