Policy & Advocacy

Contact
​
Joe Willard
[email protected]

Children Cannot Wait: Addressing Student Homelessness

City Council Testimony April 2025

On April 30, HopePHL, Valley Youth House, and Eddie’s House testified to City Council about the importance of educational and housing supports for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Testifying on behalf of HopePHL was Melissa Tsuei, Program Manager for Thrive.

Policy Briefs & Reports

Achievements

  • HopePHL's joint advocacy efforts called on the City of Philadelphia has made unhoused youth a priority, allocating increased funding to enhance support for this population. ​
  • Working collaboratively, HopePHL co-created and co-led the Homeless Action and PA Provider Network (HAPPN) which organized a statewide effort to stop an $18 million cut to state homeless funding.
  • HopePHL played a key role in the passage of the Fostering Independence Through Education state law that increased financial support and resources to students entering higher education from the foster care system.
  • HopePHL launched a state-wide coalition that compelled the state of Pennsylvania to include homeless children (ages 0-3) as eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services to address delays in physical and cognitive development, often experienced at higher rates by this population of children.

Policy Strategy Founded in Services

At HopePHL, we know that hope begins with equitable resources, and access to supports.  HopePHL is committed to advocating for policies that foster positive and lasting change at the local, state, and national levels with these goals in mind:

  • End homelessness and housing insecurity.
  • Foster equitable, safer, and vibrant communities.
  • Promote healthy and thriving families: All families should have access to healthy foods, high-quality healthcare, and mental and emotional health supports.
  • Educate and employ equitably: Every child, regardless of circumstance, should have an equal chance to succeed at home, in school and beyond. Every parent should have an opportunity to earn and save a family-supporting wage. ​

Research

The HopePHL Policy Research Advisory Consortium fosters partnerships between local researchers, HopePHL, interns, and staff of local homeless family service providers in support of the children and families who experience homelessness.

The Consortium also includes the HopePHL Visiting Scholar Program. Visiting Scholars conduct their own research and have the opportunity to undertake research with our staff and staff of other family emergency and transitional housing programs.

HopePHL

325 N. 39th Street
​Philadelphia PA 19104

Main Office: (267) 720-HOPE
Email: [email protected]
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