Housing – Page 26 – Broke in Philly

Explainer: Philly extends eviction protections

July 6, 2021

The requirement for Philadelphia landlords who want to evict tenants must first go through the city’s eviction diversion program and apply for rental assistance by Aug. 31, according to an order issued late by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court late Wednesday evening. The order extended a previous mandate that was set to expire Wednesday. The move won cheers from housing advocates, who called it a win for tenants still reeling from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. | From WHYY (Read more.)

Quiñones-Sánchez, Gauthier intro mixed-income overlay

July 6, 2021

Philadelphia City Councilmembers Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Jamie Gauthier are reviving a push for mandatory inclusionary housing with a new overlay that would require developers building in certain areas to include affordable homes in new residential projects containing 10 or more units. | From WHYY (Read more.)

Renters’ Access Act: Philly limits use of eviction records

July 6, 2021

Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks’ push to limit landlords use of tenants’ eviction records passed City Council Thursday 16-1. Councilmember David Oh was the lone opposition. | From WHYY (Read more.)

Philly state rep calls on Biden to get broadband to all Americans

June 28, 2021

For the past 15 months of the pandemic, broadband has become a lifeline for Pennsylvania’s disadvantaged and disenfranchised—low-income families, communities of color, and people with disabilities. Now that the Biden administration is proposing long-overdue investments in physical and human infrastructure, we need to make sure that the $100 billion earmarked for broadband is spent where it’s needed most. | From: The Citizen (Read more.)

People experiencing homelessness receive original artwork

June 26, 2021

Artists from Da Vinci Art Alliance and ARTsisters donated nearly 200 original art pieces to SELF Inc., a human services agency that helps transition people experiencing homelessness into new homes. Current and former SELF participants will be able to attend an art exhibit at Ife Wellness Center Wednesday, June 16, and select pieces from the show for their new places. | From WHYY (Read more.)

Philly City Council is considering mandatory funding to boost affordable and accessible housing

June 25, 2021

Advocates for an increase in homes that Philadelphians can afford have been able to count on two truths: The city doesn’t have nearly enough affordable housing, and securing city funding to create more will be a battle. | From The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

Philly Council bill limiting landlord use of eviction records advances

June 24, 2021

The pair of bills, originally introduced in April, would prohibit landlords from denying housing based solely on eviction records and require them to provide another reason for denying prospective tenants. The coupled bills will also provide guidelines on how eviction records can be used when landlords review applications, if they pass. | From WHYY (Read more.)

West Philly block gets needed home repairs

June 24, 2021

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a nonprofit that has been doing revitalization work for 33 years across the city, started repairs Friday on eight vulnerable, owner-occupied homes. | From WHYY (Read more.)

N.J. bill would help people with criminal records find housing

June 24, 2021

Arrests and convictions can keep potential tenants from renting homes years or decades after their release. N.J. could be the first state to limit how landlords can use background checks. | From The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

¿Es buen momento para comprar una casa en Filadelfia?

June 24, 2021

Si estás pensando en comprar una casa en Filadelfia, piénsalo dos veces ya que los costos de viviendas en la ciudad continúan en ascenso. Los precios de una casa promedio de dispararon un 12.4% en Filadelfia durante el 2020. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)