In Norristown, tents are seen as a solution to homelessness. Many disagree

Published by
The Philadelphia Inquirer

PHILADELPHIA — When people facing homelessness in Norristown call Montgomery County officials for help, they’re told shelter is in short supply. So, they are issued tents. The idea enrages advocates in the municipality about six miles outside Philadelphia, who see this as an inadequate response to homelessness, which is increasing countywide. Business owners in town are also angered by the tents, but for a different reason: They dislike the optics, along with the sight of individuals experiencing homelessness using drugs, panhandling and sleeping in Main Street doorways. Merchants say it remin…