During a recent Scranton City Council meeting, Jennifer Reed, co-founder of Anonymous Helper and a homeless advocate, raised critical concerns regarding emergency shelter availability for the homeless during natural disasters. Reed recounted her experience during a tornado watch on the 10th, where she found that many individuals seeking shelter were left without clear guidance on where to go. She emphasized the need for a reliable emergency plan for homeless individuals, particularly in light of the city's existing shelter limitations.

Reed highlighted that the only shelter in Scranton has been inconsistent in its hours of operation, often opening late, which has left vulnerable individuals waiting outside for extended periods. She also referenced a previously approved shelter project by the Keystone Mission that was intended to provide 60 beds for single homeless individuals, noting that there has been no progress on this initiative since its approval in 2020.

The meeting also touched on broader community issues, including a call for the city to address deteriorating road conditions on Lackawanna Avenue and the ongoing debate about the city's wage tax. Resident Les Spindler criticized the mayor for not displaying the Israeli flag in light of recent violence against Israeli citizens, while another resident, Lee Morgan, expressed dissatisfaction with the city's handling of feral cat populations and the need for better funding for related programs.

Morgan further criticized the city council's effectiveness, questioning whether current leadership truly represents the interests of Scranton residents. He called for a reevaluation of the city's governance and transparency, particularly regarding public access to information and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of a memorial service for a community member, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Scranton and the need for a more robust support system.