Delco’s social services ‘crisis’ | Morning Newsletter

Welcome to a new week, Philly, and go Birds to all who celebrate.

Delaware County is closing two homeless shelters amid Pennsylvania’s budget impasse, leaving families who relied on the services scrambling to find temporary housing.

And remote work is on the decline in 2025, but some Philadelphia business leaders are sticking with it.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Social services organizations around the Philadelphia region have been struggling as the budget impasse in Harrisburg keeps them from receiving expected state funding.

In Delaware County, officials say they’ve propped up the homeless shelter system for as long as they can by dipping into county coffers. Now, they can’t hold on anymore: Two shelters will close this month, and a rental assistance program will be paused.

The closures are likely temporary until a state budget is approved and funding flows again. But remaining shelters have already seen a surge in people seeking assistance. Street outreach providers have noticed more people than usual living outside. And temperatures are dropping.

It’s the latest blow to a county that in recent months has lost its largest hospital system, and as the federal government is set to delay nutrition and energy assistance benefits.

Notable quote: “This is people’s last resort. This is the last stop before being on the street,” a resident of the soon-to-close Wesley House said of the room he shares with his family. “I feel like we’re being kicked while we’re already down.”

Reporters Ximena Conde and Gillian McGoldrick have the story.

In other Delco news: A Republican candidate for a seat on the Upper Darby Township Council is facing scrutiny from Democrats over old social media posts.

The pandemic normalized remote work for many Philly-area companies. But more recently, several of the city’s largest employers — Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, and the City of Philadelphia itself, for instance — have required more in-office time.

💼 Employers who have stayed fully or partly remote say the benefits remain.

💼 Some of these company leaders, including those who represent smaller organizations that might not be able to offer the most competitive salaries or bonuses, note that remote work allows employees more flexibility, and helps to attract the best talent from anywhere. For those with hybrid setups, the use of office space is changing, too.

💼 Still, others bemoan the tradeoffs of less face-to-face time.

Business reporter Ariana Perez-Castells has the latest dispatch from the workplace culture front.

The souls of pets are said to return on Oct. 27, a few days before the Día de Muertos on Nov. 1 and 2. Some families are honoring departed dogs and cats with “pet ofrendas.”

Which area of Philadelphia has its own Fright Registry, which maps out nearly 100 businesses and homes offering tricks or treats, decorations, or Halloween events for families?

A) West Philly

B) North Philly

C) South Philly

D) Fishtown

Think you know? Check your answer.

🏀 Naming: All the Sixers who scored 18+ points in their rookie debut.

🚂 Planning: A day of leaf peeping and mountain charm in Jim Thorpe.

🪓 Checking out: King of Prussia Mall’s gaming venue plus bar-restaurant.

🏈 Loving: This football-forged bond between a Cherry Hill teacher and former student.

🚰 Considering: The Gloucester Township candidate who’s an unlikely David to a for-profit water company’s Goliath.

Hint: Kid-friendly cultural institution

SUMPTUOUS ACME HEEL

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Bruce L., who solved Sunday’s anagram: Maya Nazareth. The Philadelphia entrepreneur and founder of Alchemize Fightwear delivered her pitch to celebrity investors on ABC’s Shark Tank on Wednesday.

Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Joe Hogan, who adds an entry to a long history of legendary sports fandom:

Philly enjoys a reputation throughout the country as having some of the most robust sports fans. They are not opposed to booing their own team if the team’s performance doesn’t meet fans’ expectations. Our fanatical support for our teams goes back many years.

Back in 1960, my brother Mike attended St. Joseph’s College (now University), where students enthusiastically supported their basketball team. Mike did it in a very special way during a St. Joe’s game at Madison Square Garden’s holiday festival. It was near the end of the second half against Manhattan College, and a questionable foul (in Mike’s view) was called on a St. Joe’s player.

The alleged foul was so dubious — obviously the ref was catering to the home team — that the response required far more than screaming obscenity-laced insults from the stands. It required, in Mike’s mind, an up-close and heated exchange with the ref so he’d understand his infraction. Mike bolted from the stands and onto the court with a defiant finger pointing at the ref, yelling that it was a baseless call. Security quickly escorted Mike from the arena to allow the game to go on.

However, a local news photographer had captured the moment and the picture appeared on the front sports page of a local tabloid. Someone at Life magazine, obviously taken by the intensity depicted in the photo, decided the entire country needed to see this amazing level of fan support. The picture of Mike on the court was included on Life’s last page, which was titled Miscellany. The photo caption identified Mike as the St. Joe’s fan, “with beverage in hand.”

After Life’s publication of the picture, Mike received several standing ovations the next week when entering classrooms.

Keep calm and enjoy your Monday. I’ll be back with you tomorrow morning.

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