Solomon: affordable housing partnership keeps tenants in homes
Rep. Jared G. Solomon May 27, 2021 | 4:24 PM
PHILADELPHIA, May 27 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., today discussed a partnership to prevent evictions in Philadelphia at his district office on Castor Avenue.
He was joined by Greg Wertman from Homeowners Association of Philadelphia; Anita Lyndaker-Studer from Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network; Aliya Vance, a PIHN northeast case manager; and Jim Sims, a northeast Philadelphia landlord.
“This is the first partnership of its kind,” Solomon said, “Working to address the challenges of finding affordable housing, tenants and landlords will be able to work one on one to customize solutions.”
PIHN is implementing a partnership between HAPCO, tenants and PIHN to prevent evictions. PIHN will work to inform landlords so they can recognize signs of struggling tenants and assist them in finding housing.
“Resolving problems without eviction and getting tenants back on track is a more cost-effective solution and has better outcomes for both the landlord and the tenant,” Solomon said.
HAPCO Philadelphia landlords will refer current tenants who have been unable to keep up with rent to PIHN. Tenants will complete a comprehensive financial assessment and put together a financial plan with assistance from PIHN. Once the tenant completes their work with PIHN, landlords will be paid directly for back rent.
HAPCO Philadelphia landlords will notify PIHN when they have a vacancy and PIHN will refer potential new tenants. PIHN will assist selected referrals with security deposits. PIHN will also provide ongoing case management and support over the course of a year. PIHN has offices in northwest and northeast Philadelphia but serves clients from all over the city.