We like to 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!
More funding available for more homes
There are currently four requests for proposals open through OHS: SRO-based housing, project-based rapid re-housing, and tenant-based rapid re-housing for families. Nonprofits are urged to apply.
Countdown to the 2020 Census
The last day to complete the Census is September 30, and we need to ensure that people experiencing homelessness COUNT!
There’s so much at stake. Communities that don’t get fully counted in 2020 will miss out for the next ten years. Even if we miss just 5% of our city’s population (around 80,000 people), the potential loss could be a whopping $1.68 trillion over 10 years!
Census numbers determine funding levels for programs that help people experiencing homelessness. A complete and accurate 2020 Census means more affordable housing to help end homelessness, more food for hungry people, and more needed social services.
Last Call: Get help with paying rent
If you’ve lost income because of COVID-19 and are having trouble paying your rent, apply for Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which makes payments up to $1,500 directly to your landlord. There is also financial help available for Philadelphians living with HIV.
Ready to vote?
The General Election is quickly approaching – Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. From registering to vote to turning in a mail-in ballot, learn how you can make your voice heard with resources from this awesome voter registration toolkit produced by Project HOME.
Good News: CDC temporary halt in residential evictions
Effective through December 31, 2020, there is a temporary halt against residential evictions of persons earning no more than $99,000 a year to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
More affordable housing? Yes, please!
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has allocated nearly $30 million in funds and tax credits to support 42 affordable housing projects in Philadelphia. This investment complements $33 million in development funding that has already been committed by the City of Philadelphia.
The development projects will produce or preserve 1,958 affordable units, 184 of which will serve people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. Another project will provide financial assistance for 100 people experiencing homelessness who are in shelter or transitional housing.
City receives $1.5 million in grants from Home4Good for homeless services
Philadelphia recently received an award of nearly $1.5 million dollars from Home4Good to help people stabilize their housing situations, receive critical supportive services, and connect with employment.
The grant enables local service providers to expand services to communities that are historically underserved such as college students, immigrants and refugees, young parents, and returning citizens.
Solving the hidden crisis of homelessness on college campuses
Local nonprofit DePaul USA was slated to open its housing program for 24 Philadelphia students sometime in April. Then the pandemic hit.
Leadership quickly pivoted and sped up the construction process to ensure students were moved in earlier to have a safe place to stay. As of August 2020, the program housed 20 students.
“They saved my life”: An inside look at a city-funded shelter
What’s it like to live in one of Philadelphia’s city-funded shelters? NBC10’s Brandon Hudson visited a privately operated site by SELF to find out. Hudson spoke with four residents who explained why and how they feel safe.
Hot Off the Press: Liam S., YALC co-chair
Reimagining how we respond to youth homelessness means listening to youth voices. The Young Adult Leadership Committee (YALC) is a critical component of Philly’s homeless services system. Bringing youth with lived experience of homelessness to the table helps make the system better.
Vista Spotlight: Matthew Skros
AmeriCorps VISTAs serve in various City departments full-time for one year. They have the opportunity to make a positive impact in fighting injustices and improving the Philadelphia community while gaining valuable work experience.
Meet Matthew Skros, our Workforce Employment VISTA (Year 1) for the P3 Planning Unit. An Eagle Scout with a desire to be of service for others, Matthew graduated from The Catholic University of America with a B.A. in International Politics and has worked in the Peace Corps.
Matthew will help increase system-wide employment programs, enabling OHS to achieve its employment goals tied to the strategic plan.
Philadelphia shelters will remain equal access, despite proposed federal policy allowing discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals
On September 22, OHS Director Liz Hersh submitted comments in opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposed rule change that repeals protections for transgender and non-binary people under the Equal Access Rule, leaving them vulnerable to being denied shelter and forced out onto the streets. OHS strongly opposes, and will not implement, this optional rule.
We are committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have access to lifesaving housing services.
By the numbers: Homeless services through the pandemic
From March 13 to September 11, Philadelphia’s homeless assistance system served 7,157 people in emergency shelter, distributed 1,007,205 shelter meals, and helped 886 people move into transitional, rapid rehousing, or permanent supportive housing.
COVID-19 Ready Resources
As we coordinate our collaborative response to COVID-19, we want to ensure we’re keeping everyone informed to the greatest extent possible.
