Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie<\/p>\n
Allentown, PA \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania\u2019s 7th Congressional District, joined the Allentown Fire Department for a tour of a homeless encampment at Jordan Creek on Monday, June 30th.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lehigh Valley generally \u2014 and places like Allentown and Bethlehem especially \u2014 is experiencing a growing number of challenges relating to homelessness,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Mackenzie.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIn particular, the increase in the number and size of local homeless encampments is becoming a source of concern for residents \u2014 and for good reason. These encampments can be dangerous for the people living in them, damaging to the local environment, and difficult for first responders to access during emergencies. For the sake of all involved \u2014 including the surrounding communities \u2014 we need local-level solutions to address this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n The visit, which occurred at the invitation of the Allentown Fire Department, included conversations with Allentown firefighters about the challenges they face in responding to emergency situations at these sites, which are often remote and difficult to access. Congressman Mackenzie also talked with residents of the encampment.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the Allentown Fire Department and all of our local first responders for doing lifesaving work at these sites despite frequently dangerous conditions,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Mackenzie<\/strong>. \u201cIn addition to addressing underlying challenges relating to homelessness \u2014 including cost of living, mental health, and substance abuse \u2014 it\u2019s critical that we tackle immediate problems that pose risks for first responders, neighborhoods, and the local homeless population. Residents are counting on elected officials on the local level to protect public safety and quality of life by addressing the proliferation of these encampments. On the federal level, I will continue to support legislation that increases the supply of affordable housing, cracks down on illicit drugs, and addresses mental health challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie Allentown, PA \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania\u2019s 7th Congressional District, joined the Allentown Fire Department for … Continue reading Congressman Mackenzie Visits Local Homeless Encampment with AFD<\/span>
\nArnaud Armstrong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"