Amid debate over a major housing initiative, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker visited several Philadelphia churches this Sunday to seek support for the H.O.M.E. Plan. According to the City of Philadelphia, the $2 billion project aims to build, repair, and preserve about 30,000 housing units across the city.
According to the City of Philadelphia, Parker emphasized inclusivity, saying the goal is to "leave no working Philadelphian behind." The current debate concerns income eligibility for the H.O.M.E. Plan: Parker supports a 100% Area Median Income (AMI) cap ($80,300 for a single person), while a City Council committee favors 60% AMI ($48,180). This difference could exclude many city workers from the Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP), which provides free home repairs to eligible residents.
The mayor’s proposal aims to keep city workers—including police, firefighters, and librarians—eligible for BSRP. Under the Council’s 60% AMI limit, at least two of three city employee households would lose access, according to a Parker administration flyer. “We cannot penalize working Philadelphians,” Parker told churchgoers, urging support against the Council’s proposed changes, according to the City of Philadelphia.
Support for Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. plan came from local faith leaders during her church visits. Pastor Jonathan Mason of Northeast Baptist Church said that families cannot wait, while Pastor James Moore praised the mayor’s people-first approach. Pastor Lonnie Herndon emphasized fairness for city workers, noting that some miss assistance by just a few dollars. Parker’s visits highlighted both the urgency of her plan and her engagement with communities influential in shaping urban policy.
As the debate continues, Philadelphia faces a decision that could affect homeownership and housing security for working families. The mayor appeals to communal equity, while the Council weighs fiscal concerns against urgent need. The outcome will impact thousands of residents.
