Philadelphia’s new ban on feeding homeless outdoors

Air Date: March 22, 2012

Charles Freeman of the People Helping People Church hands out cups of soup at Pennypacker Park on Vine Street near the family court building. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)

Hour 2

The city of Philadelphia has banned the feeding of homeless people in city parks, and if the Board of Health approves it tonight*, will require a permit and training for any groups that want to distribute food to Philadelphians outdoors. This includes Love Park and the Parkway near the Free Library and the about-to-open Barnes Museum, areas that have been home to well-attended outdoor food programs. Philadelphia Mayor MICHAEL NUTTER says the new policies will provide more dignity, safer food and a broader array of services for the homeless, but the change has also divided opinions in the community that helps the homeless. After we hear from Mayor Nutter, we’ll speak with ADAM BRUCKNER, who volunteers to provide services and ID cards to people who show up for food at feedings on the Parkway; and Rev. BILL GOLDERER, convening minister at Broad Street Ministry, which provides food and services in the middle of the Avenue of the Arts district along Broad Street.

*This post was corrected to reflect the Board of Health’s vote on the permitting requirements Thursday night, March 22.

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[audio: 032212_110630.mp3]

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