Mayor Cherelle Parker has spoken extensively about plans to improve Kensington, and the latest effort is now underway.

The Philadelphia Police Department has cleared an encampment of about 75 people living in tents alongside the sidewalk of Kensington Avenue, writes Hayden Mitman for NBC 10 Philadelphia. 

The encampment was dismantled after the City of Philadelphia issued a 30-day encampment resolution notice and posted signs nearby before the effort moved forward.

Brian Parkhill of Parkhill Recovery Solution’s Outreach For The Lost: Kensington program, said his main goal is helping get as many people into recovery as possible.

He also highlighted efforts to help reconnect those living on the streets with their loved ones.

“We are down here all the time trying to look for people and the families are hurting so bad looking for their loved one,” said Parkhill. “My phone’s was blowing up this morning because, you know, families want to know where their loved one is.”

Many living in Kensington have noted that clearing the encampments is a good start, but more efforts need to take place to ensure those struggling with addiction can actually make improvements.

According to Philly’s Director of Public Safety, Adam Geer, more than 36 people have accepted treatment.

Read more about the latest efforts to improve Kensington in NBC 10 Philadelphia. 

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