In the midst of state budget impasse and a federal government shutdown, Philadelphia is in the midst of a pivotal moment where communities face skyrocketing property taxes, rising costs on essential goods, and a shrinking safety net. Our black and brown communities along with our seniors are in desperate need of relief.
Along with these conditions, Philadelphians face a loss of city revenue due to cuts to the BIRT Tax (Business Income and Receipts Tax) –
These revenue losses could force residents to shoulder the cost while vital city services – housing support, libraries, recreation centers, trash collection, and public safety programs – face deeper strain.
- Property taxes rose on average 23% last year, disproportionately affecting black and brown Philadelphians.
- Philadelphia has already lost 280 million dollars in federal funding and there is another 2 billion on the line!
- The School District of Philadelphia is taking 300 million out of reserves to cover next year’s budget.
- More Philly renters are scraping by each month, dealing with stagnant wages and higher costs.
In the month of November, 24 of our congregations are rising with hundreds of people of faith, presenting solutions to elected officials and the press. We will be advocating for a budget that prioritizes people over corporate profits. Visit our calendar to find a press event near you!
Affordable Housing
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CAMPAIGN ANALYSIS
Rising rent coupled with stagnant wages and predatory housing developers have caused a housing insecurity for our most vulnerable communities. The many that do own homes face mortgage increases in homes that lack repair; leaving them vulnerable to health and safety concerns. These circumstances lead to pushing people towards homelessness, denying people their dignity and respect they deserve for simply existing.
PATHWAY TO POWER
A City-wide effort to housing affordability in Philadelphia
POWER has hit the ground running organizing around our congregation’s main pain points. We met with over 600 Philadelphians within 9 out of 10 council districts, and found that affordable housing insecurity is at an all time high. The most deeply and widely felt issue across lines of neighborhoods, race, class, and faith, was housing affordability, and the consequences of unaffordable housing, including gentrification, rising gun violence due to unstable neighborhoods, and inequitably funded schools that are radically different by zip code.
We are amplifying the voices of the people. By sharing the real life stories of congregation members, we have created a direct funnel of communication to our city representatives. These stories shape our next form of action and invite elected leaders to our district town halls.
Our POWER Chapters across Pennsylvania have strategically organized town halls to bridge the gap between our state-council members/legislative staff and our community members. The people get a direct line of communication with elected officials discussing the realities of their district’s affordable housing issue, and find workable solutions with electeds present.
Take action now and join us as we organize to bring housing affordability to every Philadelphia district.