Dead Addicts Don’t Recover: Why Kensington Needs Harm Reduction

Homelessness Unfiltered by Invisible People

In Kensington, Philadelphia, the largest open-air drug market on the East Coast, people are caught in a relentless cycle of survival. "Dead addicts don’t recover"—a stark reminder of the urgent need for harm reduction. In this episode, we speak with Kate Perch, Lead Program Officer for Housing and Harm Reduction at Prevention Point, to reveal the real stories behind the stigma and sensationalism surrounding Kensington.

Kate explains how harm reduction offers a path to safety and recovery, why housing must be part of the solution, and how criminalization only deepens the crisis. We also discuss the impact of recent crackdowns on harm reduction services and what it means for the future of the community.

Plus, click here to watch our latest documentary showcasing Prevention Point's crucial work and see why harm reduction is the key to change in Kensington.

👉 Watch, listen, and support at invisiblepeople.tv/donate

Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway Associate producer: Erin McGinnis Created by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.