A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Borough of Pottstown by Community Justice Project and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania on behalf of homeless individuals residing in the College Drive Encampment along the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottstown, writes Rachel Ravina for The Reporter.

The Borough of Pottstown posted signs in October alerting the encampment residents that they have until December 1 to leave the government-owned property.

In the federal lawsuit, the Community Justice Project and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania assert that Pottstown has “violate(d) its citizens’ constitutional rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and state created dangers.”

The advocates, according to the lawsuit, are asking for a preliminary injunction “unless and until the defendant genuinely offers all of the College Drive Encampment residents with adequate alternative shelter.”

The posted notice states that assistance can be found by calling 211 or Montgomery County’s mobile crisis unit at 855-634-4673.

The Beacon of Hope’s warming center opened on November 1 and the borough says there are spaces available, but advocates say that there is a long wait list for shelters and low affordable housing in Montgomery County right now.

Read more about the lawsuit against Pottstown and the lack of shelters and affordable housing in Montgomery County in The Times Herald.

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