By: Michaela Whitelaw, Public Health Fellow According to a 2017 study by the Reinvestment Fund, approximately one in 14 Philadelphia renters (20,000 families) face eviction filings every year, with filings disproportionately affecting African Americans and women. In 2016, over 10,200 Philadelphia renters were evicted, placing Philadelphia fourth in the country for the number of evictions that year. The Philadelphia eviction crisis is a result of systemic and social issues entrenched in a history of poverty, discrimination, and gentrification. While some evictions are legal and fair, a large number of eviction… Read more Philadelphia’s Eviction Crisis →
Pennsylvania House Bill 2138 which would allow for work requirements in Medicaid has successfully been voted out of the Health Committee and will come to a full vote by the Senate. It is critical that PA residents contact their state senator now to urge him or her to vote NO on HB 2138. This bill will unnecessarily punish families and children living in poverty at the administrative expense of taxpayers. Check out our past blog to remind yourself of how the law would work. The Urban Institute did a comprehensive review… Read more PA HB 2138 Heads to the Senate →
By Gabriel Schendler, HELP: MLP Intern On May 22nd the Pennsylvania House of Representatives began consideration on House Bill 129 (HB 129). which would impose a lifetime ban from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for second time drug crime offenders. TANF in Pennsylvania provides a small, time-limited cash stipend to very low-income families who need assistance. This bill would be disastrous for low-income communities and families who are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder and have a clear and present need for social benefits. HB 129 would set a… Read more PA’s House Bill 129 Harms Pregnant Women & Families →
The Philadelphia Mayor’s Taskforce on Eviction Prevention and Response released its Draft Eviction Task Force Report this week. The Taskforce will host a public feedback session on May 8th from… Read more Philadelphia Mayor’s Taskforce on Eviction Prevention and Response →
On April 16th the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 2138 providing work requirements as a condition of receiving Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program). This bill is… Read more Pennsylvania Lawmakers Move Forward with Medicaid Work Requirements →
We are entering the third year of our partnership with Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership and Mabel Morris Family Home Visit Program. The Nursing-Legal Partnership serves low-income first time mothers, mothers with young… Read more Philadelphia Nursing-Legal Partnership Update →
Civil legal aid services yield a tremendous financial return to society, an often overlooked benefit of investing in poverty law attorneys and programs. Civil legal aid services are severely and chronically… Read more Study shows Delaware Civil Legal Aid Services produced $149.2 million return over 3 year period →
Many low-income individuals are subject to erratic, unfair employment scheduling practices that interfere with their ability to receive ongoing and critical healthcare services; maintain other benefits; and secure childcare. Constantly being “on call,” not knowing whether you will need to come in to work or not, even on your days off, leads to increased stress and a decreased quality of life. Advocates in the City of Philadelphia are encouraging City Council members to adopt Fair Work Week practices that will eliminate these unjust scheduling practices. On March 6th the Philadelphia… Read more Advocating for a Fair Workweek →
