The Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Housing packed city council chambers on September 10th in an action to remind City Council not to delay passing legislation that would increase affordable, accessible housing and green space.
At the drop of council president Clarke’s gavel to start the fall session our sea of 85+ green shirts started chanting. Led by Connie Morrow of the Women’s Community Revitalization Project and Tony Brooks of Disabled in Action, we chanted:
“What do we want?
Affordable housing!
When do we want it?
Now!
What do we want?
Accessible housing!
When do we want it?
Now!
What do we want?
Community Gardens!
When do we want it?
Now!
Who will be our champion?
Who will be our champion?
Who will be our champion?”
For the next five minutes, our cries filled the council chambers, echoing demands of dignity and resources for our communities which are experiencing increased levels of market-rate development. These increasing housing costs are burdening our communities. Now is the time for council to take action. This session we expect city council to preserve affordability in Philadelphia by making more resources available for affordable accessible housing and community gardens.
Coalition members stand and chant to disrupt the first City Council meeting of Fall 2015.
An anti-speculation tax on homes bought and sold within two years that provides money to the Housing Trust Fund would make sure real estate development benefits working-class residents.
Before the meeting started we delivered over 2,000 petition signatures to the members of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless. We also lined the halls with members holding signs and adorned in vegetables.
Coalition members lined the halls leading in the council chambers with signs calling on City Council to act.
Our strong turnout could not have been reached without the dedication of our coalition members: 15Now Philly!, Circle of Hope, Disabled in Action, Farm to City, Habitat for Humanity, Soil Generation, Liberty Resources and the Women’s Community Revitalization Project.
The question remains of who on city council will be our champion?
For more on the meeting: