A new mayor faces an old problem

Mayor Nutter said Monday that he was working on a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in the city but was not ready to discuss it. “It’s a complex issue and we are committed to finding a solution that takes into consideration all of the intricacies associated with homelessness,” spokesman Douglas Oliver said. In an interview on Dec. 3, before he took office, Nutter said the following:

On solving homelessness

"We have some of the best advocates and organizations in the country. Homelessness is clearly something we can actually do something about.

"Where we've fallen short, I believe, is in focus, attention, coordination of dollars and [making] some of these tough decisions."

On food handouts

"There are many, many organizations who really want to be helpful and I applaud their interest and efforts. But I have to tell you  .... to see people lined up on the streets for mass public feedings, there is just something wrong with that.. . . Their stomachs are going to be full for an afternoon or day, but it really isn't doing anything for all the other needs that homeless people have."

On sleeping in parks

"The policy of the city is you cannot sleep in public places and take them over as if it's your living room. . . .[But] it makes no sense to get into a situation where on the one hand, you're telling people they can't stay on the street, but on the other hand we have nowhere for them to go. That's the worst Catch-22 for people who are already in a bad situation."

On neighborhood opposition

"There has to be a general understanding with citizens of the city that leper colonies went away a long time ago. These are fellow Philadelphians who need help. These are somebody's niece or nephew; somebody's parents; somebody's son or daughter. These are human beings who need help."