In 2018 the number of people living on the streets in Philadelphia rose by 10 percent over last year, according to the result of the city’s annual count.
One early morning in January 2018, volunteers found 1,020 people spending their night out in the cold, about 100 more than last year.
Thankfully the 10 percent increase seemed low in comparison to the 2016 to 2017 difference which was 32 percent. Liz Hersh, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services, said the city’s efforts to help people addicted to opioids get off the streets is slowing down the epidemic.
The city is adapting shelters to better serve people in active addiction.
“Making it so that they don’t have to be clean and sober, they don’t have to have ID, they just have to want to be there, and basically be good citizens once they’re inside,” Hersh said.
The Cabrini swim teams like to do their part in helping those experiencing homeless as well. For the past two years the men and women of the Cabrini swim teams joined forces with Campus Ministry for a PB&J night in Philadelphia. As a member of the swim team I always enjoy these nights of service.
Before heading out, the swim teams make several bags full of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. On top of that, they put together bags full of snack such as mints, goldfish and fruit snacks.
Once the food is packed away they drive several vans into Center City Philadelphia and seek out hungry folks living on the street. It’s easier than one might think.
“I really enjoy going to PB&J night,” junior Kelsey Crnkovic said. “It really show us that we need to be grateful for what we have because you never know, one day we could be homeless.”
When in Philadelphia, it can be hard going around to homeless people. It is heartbreaking when you do not have enough food to feed everyone. Running out can make you feel so guilty for not bringing more.
While many people might not realize it, these peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are extremely helpful to those with nothing to eat. Some practically run at us looking for room. Experiencing this can really change your perspective on those experiencing homelessness. Before I would always walk or drive by them but now I try to keep granola bars in my car or backpack in case I ever see someone in need of my help.
Cabrini swimming plans to continue their trend of helping to feed those experiencing homelessness and hope other teams follow in their footsteps.
