PHA’s vision to create more housing and protect resident rights

Our failure as a society to ensure that affordable housing is available to all creates homelessness and immense suffering while generating enormous costs to the public and private sectors. This failure is evidenced by the fact that 68% of Philadelphia’s renters with incomes of less than $30,000 are severely cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 50% of their income towards housing costs.

Preserving and expanding housing that is affordable for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities is at the core of the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s (PHA) mission. It’s especially important now, as housing costs skyrocket and the supply of affordable housing is not enough to meet the need.

After decades of inadequate funding, PHA’s aging portfolio of public and other affordable housing is at risk and requires major reinvestment. This is why PHA is embarking on its Opening Doors Initiative, an ambitious 10-year plan to redevelop, rehabilitate, and create thousands of units of affordable housing.

Track record of success

Over the past 10 years, PHA has already preserved or created over 6,000 housing units in collaboration with the city and a network of committed development partners. The development examples section of this web site highlights some of our recent successes. While we take pride in this, the reality is we need to take bold action to meet our city’s housing needs and the needs of Philadelphia’s citizens, including the tens of thousands of applicants for PHA housing, most of whom have been on the waiting list for years.

That is why PHA is redoubling its efforts. Guided by our Board of Commissioners, and in partnership with resident leaders and the City of Philadelphia, PHA is embarking on a multiyear strategy to invest in or redevelop over 12,900 existing public housing units and to develop up to 7,000 new affordable housing units. In pursuing these goals, we will remain committed to protecting resident rights, strengthening neighborhoods, engaging residents and the broader community in shaping plans and strategies, and maximizing the positive economic impact in terms of jobs and business opportunities.

Preserve & create

The cost is high: over $3.8 billion for preservation and redevelopment, with more funds needed to develop new housing. To achieve these goals, PHA will pursue available funding, leverage existing resources and advocate for additional resources at the national, state, and local levels. PHA will also continue its transition from the current, poorly funded public housing program to the Project Based Voucher program that allows for leveraging private and other funds while providing a stable, long-term source of operating subsidy to ensure permanent affordability.

This web site is designed to provide helpful information on PHA’s preservation and affordable housing expansion initiatives. Recently completed and ongoing development activities are also highlighted throughout. My hope is that this information will help spur community-wide action to end the affordable housing crisis that confronts our great city, and ensure that every Philadelphian, regardless of income, has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

Kelvin A. Jeremiah
President & CEO
Philadelphia Housing Authority