City ramps up homeless outreach ahead of DNC

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On any given night, more than 700 people are sleeping on Philadelphia's streets.

Aya Hamilton is one of them.

"Last night, they came through and they said as of Sunday, 'We'll have to leave,'" said Hamilton.

The Democratic National Convention is a week away, and Hamilton says she's being displaced.

The city is ramping up its resources to help the most vulnerable, meaning almost two dozen more outreach workers will hit the streets, and 100 more beds are available in shelters to those who chose to use it.

"Our philosophy is 'house, not hidden.' We want to give them the opportunity to have some rest, to have a break, and we want them to get connected to the services," said Director of Office of Homeless Services Liz Hersh.

Outreach workers will continue working around the clock during the convention, especially on days when the heat triggers a code red.

We spoke with Brian Jenkins of Chosen 300 Ministries, which serves the homeless.

"During these events, the numbers drastically increase so we want to make sure we have ample food, extra supplies, and make sure we have everything we need so the homeless can have a great, wholesome meal," said Jenkins.

"I'm going to try to go where some of the 100 and something beds is or to a safe haven," said Hamilton when asked about her plans for the DNC.