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A homeless-protest encampment was given an eviction notice from Philadelphia.

With a mission to reach the masses to fix the homelessness issue, people have set up camp in June. They are not leaving until they get permanent housing, says camp resident Irvin Murray.

Recently, a federal judge insists that they need to leave. And so, the eviction process is in motion.

Since city officials and those living at the camp did not reach a happy medium, the major wove his way in.

Major Jim Kenney spoke:

The protests have brought new attention to the magnitude of the suffering endured, primarily by Black Philadelphians, and I appreciate all involved for shining a spotlight on this critical issue. However, for the health and safety of all involved, including the surrounding community, we can no longer allow the camps to continue.”

An organizer with Occupy PHA, Jennifer Bennetch said:

“We [mayor] have fought hard and stood firm in advocating for permanent housing and will continue to do so. The living, breathing human beings that live in the tents on the Parkway and in the shadows of PHA’s $45 million empire will not simply disappear.”

According to PHA chief executive Kelvin A. Jeremiah, camp residents are preventing the shopping center from being built. In addition to the shopping center, there are some ironic plans for housing units as well.

Jeremiah said:

“We have listened to the encampment leaders long enough. It is time for me to listen to the residents of the Sharswood community that have asked me to begin construction of the long-awaited grocery store.”

Homeless Crisis Progress

Ever since the encampment has begun, city officials say that they have worked with 111 residents to create a permanent housing plan. While some have gone into drug treatment programs, the others went to shelters.

By negotiating with camp residents, plans to come up with a “Tiny House Village” is in the works. This would assist in giving rent to those experiencing homelessness.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has a list of 47,000 families waiting for housing requiring financial assistance. They have come to an agreement to donate 60 empty housing units to nonprofits. The organizations would then transform them into affordable housing.