Josh Kruger, Big-Hearted Philadelphian

The Citizen journalist who was tragically killed Monday morning was a passionate advocate for those who most needed it

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

“Homeless?” “Unhoused?” Who Cares?

What you call our neighbors who live on the street doesn’t matter, a writer who was homeless argues. What matters is that we have the means to bring them inside — but choose not to

By Josh Kruger
The Citizen Recommends

City Bright Philadelphia Saturday Cleanup

A local nonprofit combines picking up litter with help for people who are homeless. You’re invited to their next event

By Christina Griffith

An Urgent Proposal to Solve our Housing Crisis

Drexel’s Metro Finance head calls for a radical rethink of the way we ensure Americans have homes

By Bruce Katz

Philadelphia’s Opioid Addiction Failure

A New York Times article about a crippling new drug has drawn national attention (once again) to Kensington. A former city official who worked on the crisis under Jim Kenney takes the Mayor to task for his failure to solve the problem

By Josh Kruger
Guest Commentary

The Return of Center City?

Pedestrian volumes are at 73 percent of pre-pandemic numbers. Here, Center City District’s CEO on what that means — and what is still needed

By Paul R. Levy

Kensington’s Trauma Porn Problem

YouTubers roaming Kensington to record human suffering there have built a cottage industry of crass global gawkers. What can Philly do about it?

By Nick Russo
Listen

Ali Velshi on Mental Health Care — and Eric Adams’ Policy

MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi breaks down the policy of hospitalizing mentally ill persons against their will — and explains why we still wrestle with it today

By Ali Velshi

15 Ways Philadelphians Can Give Back this Thanksgiving

However you feel about the holiday — its lore, its food, its super-spreader potential — you can still use it as a chance to do good. Here, some simple, impactful tips to get started.

By Ethan Young

Help People Who Are Homeless in Philadelphia

More than 15 ways to make a difference in the lives of Philadelphians experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness

By Christine Speer Lejeune