But where should they go? Many of the homeless want to do better, but right now they can't. They want shelter, but don't want to be forced someplace where the weak become prey to the unprincipled.

Most need time, a decent place to stay and counseling. But they're unlikely to find those things at Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square or Love Park or any of the intersections that panhandlers frequent to beg spare change. Well-meaning programs that provide meals in these settings make the problem worse.

Overall, the situation has improved. Only 291 people were living on the street when the last quarterly count was taken in May by the city's Office of Supportive Housing. That's compared with more than 600 last year.

But some neighborhoods have not seen a decline, including Rittenhouse Square, where as many as 60 people spend the night on park benches or the ground. They bathe and do everything else imaginable, just like home.

Mayor Nutter came into office saying he wanted to reduce homelessness. Seven weeks ago, he announced an $8.3 million plan to dedicate 700 new housing units for use by homeless individuals and families. But so far, only 50 beds have been filled. It's time to pick up the pace.

That means resolving whatever has slowed the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which is supposed to provide 300 apartments for homeless families and 200 for individuals. PHA spokesman Kirk Dorn says, "we have not put the system into gear yet." Well, get it in gear.

Of course, temporary shelter is just part of the answer to homelessness. For some, there are financial situations that must be resolved. Jobs are needed. Many of the homeless are substance abusers; others have mental illnesses. Effective programs to reduce homelessness must address those issues, too.