Addressing Homelessness and Addiction on Transit

This event took place on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM UTC.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues are seeking refuge on the transit system in Philadelphia. Rather than approach this purely as a law enforcement problem, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) formed an innovative partnership with social service nonprofit Merakey. Substance abuse and mental health professionals have been paired with transit police officers to extend treatment and community-based resources to those in need across the system, including at the Somerset station in Kensington, dubbed Philadelphia’s Skid Row. Learn how SEPTA’s new ways of addressing homelessness are succeeding and changing the relationship police officers have with the community. Location: Hilton Austin Downtown, Room 406