Norristown Sharply Rejects Rumored 'Citywide Sweep' Of Homeless Camps

NORRISTOWN, PA — Officials in Norristown flatly rejected circulating rumors that the municipality was coordinating a "citywide sweep" of homeless encampments in the area, and joined the growing chorus of voices pressing for compassionate action to address a moral crisis.

The municipal council clarified that they had been having recent discussions about three specific encampments located on private property. One of those stretches is owned by PECO on the Schuylkill River Trail, another nearby is state-owned by the Waters of the Commonwealth, and a third is the property of Stoney Creek Railroad Company and SEPTA.

"There was never a discussion that the Municipality would engage on this or any other site as party of a city-wide sweep," officials said in a statement. "However, as with any other property owner, in the interest of public safety, the Norristown Police Department will be present to ensure that any transition of the unhoused off private property will be undertaken peaceably and respectfully with all parties involved."

See also: 'Morally Unacceptable': Latest Homelessness Numbers In Montgomery County

Local officials also defended their response to the crisis at large, arguing "the homeless in Norristown is not a Norristown issue," but symptomatic of regional and national issues. Most individuals in homeless encampments are not actually from Norristown, according to county statistics, with 68 percent coming from other Montgomery County communities, largely to access the services based in the county seat.

Local authorities said they need more county and state help. And they said the dialogue surrounding these issues needs to change.

"The Municipal Council thinks it is unconscionable that the public discourse is about allowing people to live outside in encampments rather than the collective failure of addressing what is happening on the ground in a systematic way," officials added.

The latest issues come to a head after the county completed its latest point in time count of homelessness across the county. A total of 357 homeless individuals were counted in 2023's event, including 217 in an emergency shelter, 30 in a transitional housing facility, and 110 sleeping outside. While the overall number was a 37 percent decrease from 2022 because of the individuals in temporary shelters due to Hurricane Ida last year, a key number — 110 sleeping outside — stuck out markedly to authorities.