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Calling on the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand investments into the evidence-based solution to address homelessness that is Permanent Supportive Housing, and condemning the significant negative impacts such cuts to funding will have on Philadelphia’s residents, municipal services, and exacerbate our ongoing housing crisis.
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WHEREAS, Permanent Supportive Housing programs provide stable housing paired with support services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, serving some of the most vulnerable residents in communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to cut funding for key Permanent Supportive Housing initiatives, jeopardizing resources that assist individuals with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and those with behavioral health needs in obtaining and maintaining stable housing; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has made measurable progress in reducing chronic homelessness and expanding affordable housing opportunities through collaborative efforts with federal, state, local, and nonprofit partners-progress that would be undermined by reductions in federal support; and
WHEREAS, HUD funding for Permanent Supportive Housing directly supports local housing authorities, social service providers, and community-based organizations that deliver supportive services and case management critical to keeping vulnerable households housed; and
WHEREAS, Cuts to Permanent Supportive Housing funding will exacerbate Philadelphia’s existing housing affordability crisis, likely increasing rates of homelessness and housing instability-placing additional strain on city resources such as emergency shelters, health care systems, behavioral health programs, and public safety services; and
WHEREAS, Reductions in HUD funding for Permanent Supportive Housing are expected to result in fewer rental subsidies, reduced supportive services, longer shelter stays, and increased demand for emergency services as more residents lose access to stable housing and supportive care; and
WHEREAS, The loss of Permanent Supportive Housing funding at the federal level will place additional financial and logistical burdens on municipal departments and local nonprofits already working at or beyond capacity to meet housing and service needs; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia remains committed to equitable housing solutions that promote dignity, health, and economic stability for all residents and to preserving and expanding housing opportunities for people of all income levels as reflected in the City’s Housing Action Plan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Philadelphia City Council condemns the proposed cuts to Permanent Supportive Housing funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and calls on HUD to expand and strengthen federal investment in Permanent Supportive Housing programs that support low-income and vulnerable residents.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council urges the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, the Administration of the City of Philadelphia, and relevant federal agencies to work collaboratively to ensure that Permanent Supportive Housing and related supportive service funding remains robust, adequate, and responsive to the needs of Philadelphians experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
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