PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Tension remains between harm reduction organizations like Savage Sisters Recovery and Philadelphia City Council members following the real estate company Shift Capital’s decision to terminate the organization’s lease.
Savage Sisters Recovery said their work has saved hundreds of lives, including the life of Jose Castillo who now works for the nonprofit.
“It’s way different now that I’m on this side of things and it’s beautiful like I love my life today,” said Castillo.
Three years ago he came to Kensington to feed his drug addiction before hitting rock bottom. “I ended up stuck out here and I was desperate,” said Castillo. “[Savage Sisters] is exactly what I needed in that moment of my life.”
For two years, Savage Sisters Recovery has operated a storefront on Kensington Avenue. They provide public health services including showers, food, clean clothing, and wound care for people suffering from drug addiction.