Today in litigation that began w/lawsuit filed vs Safehouse in 2019, U.S. Justice Dept filed a motion requesting 2 more months “for discussions about a possible amicable resolution to continue.”  We’ll file a motion in opposition tomorrow. How long must we wait to save lives?

On Monday, in lawsuit filed vs Safehouse 4 yrs ago, U.S. Justice Dept. requested 60 more days “for discussions about a possible amicable resolution to continue.” Safehouse on Tuesday requested response in 14 days. Today judge ordered DOJ to respond by Jan. 9. We are optimistic.

Safehouse wishes everyone a healthy and happy new year. inquirer.com/opinion/commen…

Thank you for your thoughtful and articulate piece.

An update: Late last month, we agreed to meet with a federal magistrate to expedite resolution and begin saving lives. The Jan. 9 deadline for DOJ to respond is on hold as we pursue this facilitated mediation. More details soon.

Congratulations to our friend Sam Rivera On Point Productions for this well-deserved recognition! time.com/collection/100…

Today we announced we will be opening the country's first state-regulated overdose prevention center in 2024. This is the result of many years of hard work by so many on our staff and in the state. We're ready to make history and save more lives. 💜Read: weberrenew.org/advocacy/proje…

In this week's Urban Trends we chat with Roberto Pérez Gayo of Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network and @INDCRs about drug-consumption rooms (DCRs) in European cities. These are spaces where pre-obtained drugs can be used — safely and judgment-free — under the supervision of trained staff.

Thank you to Margaret Lowenstein and Shoshana Aronowitz for their thoughtful opinion piece. inquirer.com/opinion/commen…

Online event 6 pm Tue. 6/20 screening of documentary “Love in the Time of Fentanyl” followed by Safehouse board member Rev. Erica Poellot erica poellot leading conversation including OnPoint NYC . To reserve your virtual spot, please register at: eventbrite.com/e/642537816907

On Thursday, Sept. 14, Philadelphia City Council will vote on whether to ban overdose prevention centers. Contact these elected leaders to express your opinion. phlcouncil.com/#_ga=2.2047796…

“When people begin to see themselves as worthy of care — and to trust that those who are recommending further help will refer them to compassionate professionals — they are more likely to start and stick with a recovery process,” writes Maia Szalavitz. Read: nyti.ms/3MOS0A9

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania heard oral arguments yesterday in a case focused on U.S. Department of Justice’s bid to block the establishment of a supervised injection site by Safehouse, a faith-based non-profit.

Safehouse asserts their right to open the safe-injection site, invoking the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as part of their claim that U.S. Department of Justice is infringing on their religious liberty rights by threatening to prosecute them for violating federal anti-drug laws.

We remain concerned that U.S. Department of Justice is taking a very narrow reading of the #ReligiousLiberty rights of entities like Safehouse, which should be protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (#RFRA).

Thanks to our friend Dave Humes David C Humes for the supportive words in his letter to the editor. inquirer.com/opinion/letter…

Court rules against Safehouse religious claim in DOJ lawsuit. But we still believe federal law permits us to exercise our beliefs by saving lives. In the five years since we were sued, 6,500 people died of overdose in Philly. Now more than ever, we must push forward. Stay tuned.

In April, US District Court in Philly granted DOJ motion ending 5-year lawsuit vs Safehouse and our efforts to open an Overdose Prevention Center. Last week, we filed Notice of Appeal to 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. We’re not done yet!

Safehouse has filed brief in appeal to 3d Circuit Court of Appeals. Today, faith leaders supporting Safehouse approach to overdose prevention filed friend-of-court brief, 46 individuals from 18 states joining. Safehouse will save lives. We won’t give up.  safehousephilly.org/us-v-safehouse