Just a few weeks ago, 26 congregations across our city opened their buildings, hosting events on the affordability crisis in our city. Over five days, dozens of Philadelphians shared stories about leaking roofs, rising property taxes, impossible rents, and the fear of being priced out of the communities they’ve called home for generations. One message rang clear: people are hurting, and they feel like City Hall isn’t listening.
That’s why we were encouraged today to see City Council publicly insist that the first funds from the HOME initiative reach the people who need help the most. Prioritizing low-income households in programs like the Basic Systems Repair Program is simply common sense and deeply aligned with what our congregations have been saying for years. We appreciate Councilmember Gauthier’s leadership as Housing Committee Chair, and her ongoing push to ensure housing policy actually meets the needs of the poorest Philadelphians, and the continued leadership of Council President Kenyatta Johnson. We also appreciate and honor the leadership of our partners leading this fight, including OnePA and others.
The HOME plan, paired with the longstanding Basic Systems Repair Program, could be powerful tools for stability and dignity. But they’re only part of what’s needed. Philadelphians are still staring down rising property taxes, shrinking city services, and widening inequality. Without real permanent revenue solutions and a clear commitment to the families most at risk, even the strongest housing programs will only patch the surface.
Congregations in neighborhoods all across Philadelphia are ready to keep working with City Council to continue to deliver on affordability. The residents who stood up didn’t just share their struggles, but offered their time, stories, and willingness to stay in this fight. As we move toward our citywide Affordability Summit on February 1, 2026, POWER Interfaith looks forward to partnering with all elected officials committed to crafting real, long-term solutions for the communities who can’t afford to wait.
POWER Interfaith
