Check out the scene from the annual Lancaster Jazz & Arts Festival! It was a beautiful day to see some unbelievable jazz performers, shop and eat from local vendors, and honor members of the community! Stay tuned for more recaps of the day to come.
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Thank you for believing in our mission! As we prepare for Fourth of July festivities, let's not forget to carry the valuable lessons, inspiring stories, and memorable experiences we shared during our Juneteenth celebrations just a few weeks ago.
A day commemorating Black freedom and resilience, Juneteenth holds significant historical importance and cultural relevance. By exploring the connections between Juneteenth and the celebration of independence on the 4th of July, we can deepen our understanding of American history and the ongoing journey towards true freedom and equality for all. It's an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of our past, honor the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, and embrace a more inclusive and unified future. Here at HopePHL, we are committed to recognizing and uplifting our Black neighbors every day through our efforts, eagerness to learn, and willingness to listen. According to the Declaration of Independence, published on July 4, 1776, in this country: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Yet, we approach Independence Day this year, not with excitement, but with disappointment following the US Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that overturned protections for people experiencing homelessness. To allow states and localities to criminalize experiencing homelessness is to enable them to tread on these “unalienable rights.”
Presented by HopePHL and the 16th Police District Advisory Council, the 6th Annual Men’s Wellness Day took place over Father's Day weekend. The event celebrated fathers, promoted health, and honored Juneteenth all while fostering community and creating a perfect opportunity to spend the day outside in perfect summer weather. Valuable resources were available for attendees from our partners. The DJ played danceable hits while everyone enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, and treats from the ice cream truck to cool down. Hot dogs and snacks were generously provided by the Police District. It was a great event that showcased the importance of prioritizing men’s wellness in the community.
Forty-eight charter schools and the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) will lose $3 million in support for the thousands of students and their families who experience homelessness during the school year. The Commonwealth will lose the capacity built by the American Rescue Plan’s $32 million investment.
Despite public hearings, countless meetings, direct discussions with policymakers, and multiple policy briefs framing the issue, no legislative body answered the call to use local funds to support homeless students. Every legislator on both sides of the aisle says they support homeless students, but only Rep. Ismail Wade Smith-El of Lancaster County and Philadelphia Representative Donna Bullock publicly stepped up to keep the new capacity going. The Commonwealth and its schools will revert to the federal $5 million for the 500+ school districts and charters to support more than 40,000 children and youth who experience homelessness. Yes, we are extremely disappointed. Forty-eight charter schools and the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) stand to lose nearly $3 million in support for the thousands of students and their families who experience homelessness during the school year. HopePHL's school-based programs, such as Thrive, depend on these critical funds to provide the best support to students.
These funds were provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) via Pennsylvania’s ‘Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness’ (ECYEH) program. The ECYEH program is the only federal education program that removes barriers to enrollment, attendance, and reduces truancy caused by homelessness. The schools used this money to expand their capacity to provide staffing, train school personnel, and provide direct services like short-term housing support, uniforms, transportation, motel stays, summer programming, school supplies, and more. WHAT ADVOCATES ARE ASKING FOR: Advocates are asking Mayor Parker and the Philadelphia City Council Assembly for $3 million in General Funds to continue much of the expanded support for students experiencing homelessness. We are meeting with City Council and members of the Parker Administration to convince them of this needed support. ACTION ALERT: Contact the Mayor and City Council and ask them to “Fund homeless education by investing $3 million.” Contact Mayor Parker: Mayor’s correspondence form | Office of the Mayor | City of Philadelphia Contact City Council: Use their websites to send your message: Council Members - Philadelphia City Council (phlcouncil.com) Learn more about our school-based programs here After Maria's spouse was incarcerated and her family faced eviction, her children's school referred her to HopePHL's Thrive program. They had lived in public housing a few years prior but after their eviction they moved in with family members. Dad was incarcerated again causing tensions and conflict with Maria's in-laws, making the living situation untenable.
A Thrive system navigator supported Maria in making a plan to attain her own housing with her children. Thrive also referred Maria to a partner mental health program to help her cope with trauma her family experienced. As Maria began applying for her own housing, her credit score discouraged landlords from approving her applications. Thrive stepped in to guarantee a security deposit, adding a layer of security for the landlord. The 16-year-old has been referred to a teen program and Maria will be referred to more supportive social services once she has moved into her new residence. Thrive helps students experiencing homelessness, and their families. Thrive staff ensures students have stable and functional living conditions and remove barriers so they fully focus on their education. Thrive helps students thrive in school, at home, and in the community. Check out this month's edition of the HopePHL Perspective, our Policy newsletter to learn how you can help support getting more funds to support students facing homelessness, why collecting data on infants-toddlers experiencing homelessness is important, and upcoming events!
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