Every other week, we update you on progress made across Philadelphia’s homeless services system, including personal testimonials and success stories, how we’re putting our strategic plan Roadmap to Homes into action, and how Philly continues to be one of the most progressive, successful homeless services system in the country.

Read below and share the good news!

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Trump’s decision to address homelessness surprises Philly advocates

Recently, the White House released a report on homelessness.

“Good for the president for finally noticing we have a national crisis on our hands,” OHS Director Liz Hersh told the Inquirer’s Al Lubrano.

Advocates nationwide expressed dismay at the report, which even claimed that big cities might be responsible for homelessness because of their police departments.

As a reminder, Philadelphia has the lowest rate of street homelessness of any major city.

What is much more important to talk about than that White House report, though, is that ending homelessness is achievable — if we want to do it. It’s not an intractable problem. By providing people places to live, including for those living with serious mental illness or in active addiction, we can actually end homelessness in the United States.

Politico: Why solving homelessness requires federal support

Recently, Mayor Jim Kenney joined Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan to write about solutions that will address America’s ongoing homelessness and housing crisis.

The biggest takeaway? Homelessness is not an unsolvable riddle. There’s a solution and it’s about providing, as we used to do, access to places to live for those with extremely low or no incomes.

“We’re making progress by helping more people experiencing homelessness than ever, but we can’t solve this problem alone,” they explain. “We need everyone committed to this crisis.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Poverty down, incomes up

The U.S. Census Bureau released its annual American Community Survey, detailing population and housing information about our nation.

Philly’s poverty rate has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade, wages are increasing, and our population is still growing, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

“It gives us hope and confidence that we are making progress,” Maari Porter, deputy chief of staff policy and strategic initiatives in the mayor’s office, told the Inquirer. “But there’s no denying one-quarter of Philadelphians in poverty are still too many.”

Seen on Twitter: People’s Emergency Center hosts national leaders and talks early childhood education

Our providers are getting the attention of national leaders!

When the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness visited Philly, they made several stops, including here at OHS with the Young Adult Leadership Committee and the Lived Experience Commission. They also came to speak and learn at the People’s Emergency Center’s 2019 BELL Summit.

BELL stands for Building Early Links for Learning and is all about increasing access to early childhood education for children experiencing homelessness.

Couldn’t make the summit? PEC created a Twitter moment so you can check it out yourself!

OHS raises awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 1, 2019, OHS staff participated in #PaintPhillyPurple, a citywide social media initiative designed to raise awareness and show support to domestic violence survivors by wearing purple.

Want to show your support or learn more about how you can help survivors?

Attend one of these upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month events happening in the city. 

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