Philadelphia launches coordinated outreach initiative for homeless services in Seventh Council District

The Special Committee on Kensington convened on May 19, 2025, to address ongoing community concerns regarding homelessness and substance use in Philadelphia. The meeting focused on the city’s response systems and outreach efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

The session began with a discussion on the effectiveness of the city’s emergency response call system. Officials emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to report individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders. The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) operates a homeless outreach hotline, which can be reached at (215) 232-1984. When calls are made, a response team is dispatched to engage with those in need.

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the continuity of care team, known as the Morse team. This team is responsible for following up with individuals after initial outreach efforts to ensure that placements in housing or services are effective. Officials noted that sometimes individuals may not find a suitable fit in their initial placements, leading to a return to the streets. The Morse team aims to reconnect these individuals with appropriate services or alternative interventions.

The committee also discussed the mobility of outreach teams, which are designed to be responsive to community needs. Outreach teams are not stationary; they actively engage with individuals in various locations. For instance, the Kensington Hospital Wound Care van operates during wellness fairs to provide services directly to those in need. The city is committed to relocating services based on community feedback to ensure accessibility.

Legislation was recently passed to enhance coordination among mobile service providers. This initiative aims to streamline outreach efforts and improve the effectiveness of services offered to the community. Officials expressed optimism that within the next 60 days, these coordinated efforts would lead to a noticeable improvement in outreach operations, particularly in the Seventh Council District.

The meeting also addressed the metrics for measuring successful outreach. Officials acknowledged that while multiple engagements with individuals are often necessary, the goal is to foster willingness to accept help. Each interaction is viewed as an opportunity to connect individuals with care and support, regardless of the number of attempts required.

In conclusion, the Special Committee on Kensington underscored the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness and substance use through coordinated outreach efforts and responsive community engagement. The discussions highlighted the importance of both individual care and community well-being, aiming for a balanced approach to service delivery in Philadelphia.