Dozens of homeless people in Allentown scrambled to move their belongings from the encampment along Jordan Creek before public works staff came to bulldoze the area Monday morning.
Michael Wilson carries a mattress Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. Wilson lives in a nearby encampment. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City trucks collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Michael Wilson carries a mattress Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. Wilson lives in a nearby encampment. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown gather their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown gather their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City trucks collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A woman sits among her belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. She said she has cancer and is upset about her health and being forced out of where she was living. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A woman sits among her belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. She said she has cancer and is upset about her health and being forced out of where she was living. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown carry their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown carry their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown fill shopping carts filled with their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A woman sits among her belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. She said she has cancer and is upset about her health and being forced out of where she was living. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown carry their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A woman sits among her belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. She said she has cancer and is upset about her health and being forced out of where she was living. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City trucks collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A tent on pallets undisturbed just before city trucks collect belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City workers collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City trucks collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Alana Zima, 40, is in good spirits despite having to move Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
City trucks collect and dispose of pallets, tarps and other personal belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown during a sweep by city officials to clear residents out of the site. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
Residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown carry their belongings Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as city officials sweep through the site to clear it out. While many residents were able to grab their belongings, others said they lost a lot because they didn’t have help. Allentown officials announced in early August that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)
A relative helps his niece relocate from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz hugs Zina, a Staffordshire bull terrier, at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
A resident walks past her belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
A resident sleeps while waiting to relocate from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Residents gather their belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
A resident cuts rope at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Discarded belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Discarded belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Discarded belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Personal items lay on top of a bin at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Discarded belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz talks about relocating from the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz walks past a stake declaring a flood zone at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz shows off his encampment at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz walks past an abandoned bike at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz shows off a stab wound on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 he received at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Residents sit by their belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Discarded belongings at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Sonny Mertz shows off his encampment at the Jordan Creek homeless encampment in Allentown on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Allentown officials announced in early Aug. that the camp would be cleared, citing flooding concerns. After an initial deadline of Aug. 25, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended the evacuation date to Monday to coincide with the opening of the Allentown YMCA’s warming station. Despite the advance warning, however, some of the residents stayed up until the last possible moment, saying they had nowhere else to go. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
