The bill, co-introduced by Councilmembers Brooks, Gauthier, O’Rourke, and Landau has the support of a majority of City Council, effectively ensuring its passage.
PHILADELPHIA – This morning in City Council, Councilmembers Kendra Brooks (At-Large), Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large), and Rue Landau (At-Large) introduced a bill to make Philadelphia’s nationally acclaimed Eviction Diversion Program permanent. The program, which was set to expire this June, has helped thousands of renters and small landlords resolve issues without going to eviction court. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large), Councilmember Nina Ahmad (At-Large), Councilmember Curtis Jones (4th District), Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District), Councilmember Jim Harrity (At-Large), and Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th District) joined as co-sponsors of the bill.
“For people who have an eviction filing on their record, it’s next to impossible to find livable housing, and the people most impacted by eviction filings are Black mothers like Haniah Harvey,” said Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large), referring to a renter who shared her story at a press conference yesterday. “In the midst of a national housing crisis, we must continue this program that is proven, popular, and effective at keeping families in their homes.”
“City Council banded together, and the Eviction Diversion Program is now poised to become the permanent law of the land in our city! Council recognizes that when we talk about safety, when we talk about healthy neighborhoods, and when we talk about economic opportunity for all – that must include keeping families in their homes. I am grateful to my colleagues for agreeing that eviction diversion remains critically important,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Chair of City Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless.
“The Eviction Diversion Program has been a successful, game-changing initiative keeping thousands of low-income renters in their homes across Philadelphia since its inception,” said Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large). “As a former housing attorney who has spent my career working for housing justice, I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of EDP becoming permanent in Philadelphia.”
“The Eviction Diversion Program has undoubtedly saved lives and protected families through serving Philadelphians in crisis, in real time,” said Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large). “It’s so important to me that we don’t forget the lessons that the pandemic has taught us, and support for the program across Council is one huge sign that Philly hasn’t suffered from amnesia.”
The bill will head to City Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless before returning to City Council for a final vote.
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