People in Kensington facing addiction, homelessness deserve support, not stigma

“Kensington is hopeless, there’s no point in wasting any more resources there.” “The people out there would be better off dead.” “Addicts in Kensington will never get clean.” These profoundly misguided statements are just a few I have heard throughout the years.

They couldn’t be more wrong.

Each one of these ludicrous opinions is fueled by stigma, caused by a lack of understanding of the disease of addiction and the countless barriers that both housed and unhoused people face in this community.

Just over four years ago, I was struggling with homelessness and addiction in Kensington. I was in and out of jails and institutions and found myself homeless across a number of states. At a certain point, I internalized the stigma surrounding me and began to believe that my only future was death, either on the streets or in a jail cell.

Back then, I was faced with a ton of skeptics who deemed me hopeless. They couldn’t have been more wrong.

I was faced with a ton of skeptics who deemed me hopeless.

Today, I am the founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization that helps people facing addiction, poverty, and illness, including in Kensington, and am the director of admissions and business development at an addiction and mental health treatment facility in Southampton. I am involved in multiple community organizations, sit on the executive board of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, and am cochair of the Bucks County Reentry Coalition. Last year, I earned a degree in business administration.

I share these accomplishments not to boast, but to illustrate how, for the people struggling with addiction and homelessness, the situation is not hopeless. Every single one of them can turn their lives around if they are given the right resources and opportunities.

There is no one solution that will work for every person who is facing what I once faced, but for me, the turning point was a stranger who offered me food, a shower, and clean clothes. That act of kindness gave me the strength to take the next steps: I called my mom and began the long process of recovery.

I couldn’t be happier to say that I proved myself — and all those who doubted my chances — wrong. I have since committed my life to creating positive change and helping others on their journey to recovery.

In one sense, the people who thought I would never leave Kensington were right — but today, I’m here to help others, to stand up for an underserved community, and to speak for those who feel voiceless.

I think a lot about what changes I believe need to happen in Kensington. There is no easy solution, but as a first step, the city must acknowledge the importance of collaborating with individuals and organizations that possess both lived experience and “boots on the ground” insights to truly grasp the community’s needs. While there is existing funding for community projects, such as the Kensington Resilience Fund, in which the city takes part, it falls short.

It’s no secret that nonprofit organizations serving Kensington bear the brunt of the crisis, and additional support is crucial to continue to do what we do effectively. Many of us operate without substantial grants or any grants at all, relying only on small donations. This needs to change. We are on the front lines, and we need more resources. The city should also prioritize regular conversations with these organizations, actively seek their input, and assist in securing funding for programs that can genuinely make a difference.

So far, things have only gotten worse, not better. Let’s bring more people to the table for input. I’ve never met with Philly officials, but I’m ready whenever they are. So, city of Philadelphia, let’s have a conversation. I’m here, ready to share my firsthand experiences and ideas, alongside a few others who are equally eager to convey theirs.

Working together would align with my next priority: reducing barriers to treatment. There’s nothing more disheartening than when someone we serve expresses a genuine desire for help and recovery, only to be faced with obstacles like problems with Medicaid, lack of identification, or wounds from the xylazine crisis. Each of these factors adds its own layer of complexity to accessing help. The process shouldn’t be this challenging.

While there are existing resources, there needs to be more — a better process for those with and without insurance to access treatment, alternative ways to confirm identities without relying on government IDs, and more street-side wound care.

Finally, people working with those struggling with addiction need to update their detox protocols across the board in response to the change in drug supply, as old detox protocols do not even come close to dealing with the withdrawal symptoms of xylazine. We see many people who fail to detox as a result.

That’s not because, as the stigma might say, “if they truly wanted to get clean, they would endure the discomfort.” To anyone who believes that, I suggest they educate themselves about the complex nature of addiction. Brush up on some studies about the disease, and converse with people who have lived experience.

They are worth it, just like I was worth it.

We are discussing human lives here — people who matter and hold significance to someone. They deserve a chance. Each one has the potential to do remarkable things. They are worth it, just like I was worth it. I am not an exception, and neither is anyone else who has found their path to sobriety amid the struggles of addiction in Kensington. We were fortunate to have received the necessary resources and love to overcome those challenges, and every person deserves that opportunity.

I beg those reading this to become advocates for change, to raise your voice on behalf of those who have been neglected for far too long. Always remember: These are people.

Megan Cohen grew up in Bucks County and ended up on the streets of Kensington, battling addiction. She is the founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Grace Project and serves as the director of admissions and business development at Promont Wellness.