I recently joined officers of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in a meeting with Liz Hersh, the director of the City's Office of Homeless Services, (OHS)  and Paul Levy, director of the Center City District (CCD).  Both meetings were to discuss the issue of homelessness and panhandling in the neighborhood, which CCD statistics show, has been getting worse the last few years.  Obviously, the causes of homelessness are many, but most involve some combination of mental health issues, drug use, and lack of employment.  While the long-term answer is more funding for outreach, social services and shelters/housing, OHS has put together a flyer on who to call when you see someone who needs help.  Please use this guide linked here. If there is a particularly problematic individual that appears to be homeless and is causing a public disruption (ex: severely mentally ill), please email the office  describing the individual and the behavior. Put "Homeless" in the subject line. We will forward a description of the individual to OHS on your behalf. If you are interested in working on a small task force to address the homeless issues, please contact the office.

I am glad to report that the Blatstein House Tour was a complete success. All told, we grossed $25,500. When expenses were deducted, the organization netted $21,964, 10K more than the Fall of 2018 house tour. And a good time was had by all! 

But house tour purists, don't despair. CCRA is organizing the traditional house tour, now House and Garden Tour, for the Spring of 2020, and your help is needed! A committee is assembling, and has 4 houses and 1 garden, but more homes and gardens are needed! As are Sponsors, writers/editors/graphic designers, and 100 Day-Of Volunteers. So don't be shy if you want to help. 

Maggie Mund, CCRA President