Farnese’s opponent in the upcoming Democratic primary, Nikil Saval, was one of the lone supporters of Safehouse’s opening in South Philly.
“I support overdose prevention sites, I support the opening of Safehouse in South Philadelphia, and I support harm reduction advocates in their work to recognize the humanity of people who use drugs,” said Saval’s statement about Safehouse opening. “As a candidate for state senate in the First Senatorial District, I categorically oppose any legislative, or rhetorical, attempts to pre-empt or prevent the opening of Safehouse; I am also against any state preemption of Philadelphia’s or any other city’s ability to open such sites.”