Mayor Jim Kenney recently gave what will be the last budget address of his administration to City Council. He outlined spending in FYs 2024-2028, emphasizing several priority areas, including affordable housing. “We all agree that any homelessness is too much homelessness, and I’m glad to report our housing-first approach in Philadelphia is making significant strides,” he said from City Hall.
Mayor Kenney proposed new investments in housing programs that keep participants from returning to homelessness. “We’re investing $6.7 million over five years to create 100 new supportive housing units for people who are chronically homeless,” he announced. “This model is 90 percent successful in preventing a return to homelessness.”
The news was welcomed immediately by allies and advocates. “As President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, I recognize that chronic street homelessness is both a human imperative and a business imperative,” said John McNichol, who helped found PHLCares. “I applaud Mayor Kenney for his recognition that we have to invest in real solutions.”
In the coming weeks, City councilmembers will consider the proposed budget before voting on it. The Office of Homeless Services will provide testimony and answer councilmembers’ questions on April 11.
