Squatting for survival in Philadelphia: What it’s like to live in a ‘takeover house’
Occupying vacant properties has long been a tool of political protest — but it also lets families find homes.
Posts tagged with Housing
‘Fecal samples’ against gentrification? Research activism raises red flags in West Philly
Temple said it had not approved the research solicited by professor and activist Ang Sun.
Inside Philly’s 40-year war on homeless encampments
The Ben Franklin Parkway occupation followed a well-trodden model. What can city government do to break the cycle?
Everything you need to know about Philly, every day
Stay on top of Philly news with the free Billy Penn morning newsletter, landing in your inbox six days a week.
We need your support
We don’t have a paywall, and never will. Instead, we depend on readers like you to keep our newsroom jamming on stories about Philadelphia. If you like what you see, will you support our work?
YOU are the key to Billy Penn's survival
We don’t have a paywall, and our daily newsletter is free. Instead, we depend on readers like you. If you like what you see, will you join as a member today?
Your support is key
Donations from readers like you keep Billy Penn’s newsroom running. Want to make sure we stay around for a while? Become a sustainer with a recurring contribution. Thank you!
Powered by YOU
Our nonprofit newsroom depends on sustaining members — and we’re grateful for your support! Every dollar donated goes directly to our bottom line. Want to tell a friend about Billy Penn? Send them to our newsletter signup page.
Heading back to a shelter, Philly mom wishes COVID hotel money could pay for housing instead
The funding designated for contingency sites is not flexible, city officials said.
Only a third of CARES Act housing relief went to PA residents. The rest went to the state budget.
Of 75k people who applied to the PHFA program, fewer than 27k got assistance.
Why Philly shut down its homeless COVID hotels, and why advocates are furious
A private prison company runs one of the temporary sites where residents are being relocated.
Millions in PA pandemic mortgage relief may go unclaimed by Nov 4 deadline
Republican leaders in Harrisburg refused to vote on a fix for the CARES Act program.
Cash aid for renters? Philly revisits plan using lessons from COVID relief
In this model, the city funnels philanthropy to community-identified people in need.
Wolf extends deadline for millions in pandemic rent and mortgage relief, but will banks participate?
Legislation in Harrisburg aims to fix structural flaws in the state CARES Act programs.
Philly’s largest bank flip-flops on mortgage assistance, leaving homeowners hanging
Wells Fargo, which recently settled a predatory loan lawsuit, reversed a decision to pull out of Pa.’s CARES Act program.
Philly housing activists declare victory, say city will place properties in community land trust
How long will the encampments remain? Unclear.
How Philly’s affordable housing problem was 100 years in the making
A 1927 book details many of the same issues as a Pew report released this week.
Stimulus could heighten racial economic inequality, historians warn
Like the New Deal and G.I. Bill before it, the latest federal attempt to juice the economy will play out unevenly.
How faulty construction breaks up Philly families — and why the city can’t stop it
Some developers ignore permits, then keep on building.
Thousands of Philly homes head to foreclosure despite court system chaos
A judge denied an emergency request to halt scheduled sheriff's sales.
Why your Philly Airbnb might be in danger of collapsing
The online rental site doesn’t check for code violations — and has no plans to start.
Why doesn’t Philadelphia have rent control like many other big cities?
We used to have it — and housing advocates are pushing for a return.