PHILADELPHIA – On Tuesday night, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) convened over 30 community members for a conversation about Philadelphia’s housing crisis. At the event, “Let’s Talk About Stable Homes for Working Families,” participants expressed a dire need for truly affordable, family-sized housing and applauded the research-based solutions laid out in Councilmember Brooks’s recently released white paper, “A Plan for Philly Families.”
“The majority of calls that come into my office are from people who need help finding housing or help making sure their housing is safe and livable for their families,” said Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large). “As a society, we have the resources to keep every family in a safe and stable home. We can – and should – insist on housing as a human right.”
At the event, community members joined small-group discussions about “Stable Homes for Working Families,” one of five pillars in Councilmember Brooks’s “Plan for Philly Families.” Participants discussed the three high-impact solutions laid out in this section of the plan: 1) Keep families in well-maintained homes, 2) Expand home ownership programs, and 3) End utility shut-offs. Community members voiced frustration with out-of-town developers, sky-rocketing rents, and long waits for city services.
“A safe, stable, and affordable home is the bedrock of a successful life,” Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) said. “Thank you to the residents who took time out of their day to share their perspectives on what the City needs to do to combat the housing affordability crisis. I look forward to integrating their feedback into my work as the Chair of Council’s Housing Committee. I also want to thank Councilmember Brooks for being such a fierce fighter for housing justice!”
Councilmembers Brooks and Gauthier have championed efforts to increase access to safe, affordable housing in their first terms on City Council. In 2021, Councilmember Brooks passed the Renters Access Act, which prohibits discrimination in rental applications and supports fair access to housing, and earlier this year, she hosted a hearing on rent stabilization in City Council. Both councilmembers have advocated for and won increases in rental assistance and an expansion of the nationally recognized Eviction Diversion Program.
“I’m so grateful to Councilmember Brooks and Councilmember Gauthier for convening this discussion about addressing the housing crisis with the urgency it deserves,” said State Representative Rick Krajewski (House District 188), who joined the conversation. “As more and more big developers try to buy up this city, it’s time to fight for transformative policies that will keep Philadelphians in safe and healthy homes.”
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to connect with housing resources and housing advocacy groups. Rachel Garland, Co-Managing Attorney of the Housing Unit of Community Legal Services, provided resources for tenants, and Michelle Crouch of the Philadelphia Rent Control Coalition encouraged attendees to get involved in advocating for rent stabilization.
Councilmember Brooks’s Plan for Philly Families includes five pillars, each representing a basic goal shared by all families: a stable home, a safe neighborhood, good jobs, good health, and opportunities for young people. “Stable Homes for Working Families” focuses on Philadelphia’s escalating housing crisis and outlines evidence-based solutions including eviction diversion, home repair and home ownership programs, and ending utility shut-offs.
Councilmember Brooks, in partnership with Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large), will be hosting a second community conversation, “Let’s Talk About Opportunities for Young People,” on Wednesday, November 1, at 5pm at the School District of Philadelphia (440 N. Broad Street). Interested Philadelphians can register to attend at bit.ly/planforphillyfamilies.
