FIGHT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

History of the Campaign

Housing Takeover

Center City Tent City

Tent City: to the Liberty Bell

"Clintonville" Tent City

Religious Statement on the Housing Struggle

HOUSING TAKEOVER

Today the Kensington Welfare Rights Union took over abandoned federally owned houses across Philadelphia. Welfare reform is leading to a growing crisis of affordable housing in Philadelphia; over 60 people affected by this crisis chose to join KWRU and reclaim some of the 40,000 abandoned houses scattered throughout Philadelphia. Through protests, civil disobedience, and further takeovers we will work to secure affordable housing for these families by any means necessary.

There are already more abandoned houses than homeless people in Philly. Both the numbers of abandoned houses and homeless people continue to rise. Why? There is simply no affordable housing available. The houses often become health hazards or drug infested. As poor and homelesss people, we do not think it is just to have children lie in the street when there are plenty of houses available.

Watch for continuous updates on their struggle via the web.Also watch for pictures of the takeover houses. As this campaign progresses, we will try to include the stories of those involved, documented how their human right to housing was violated

UPDATE - Philadelphia police ordered the families to leave the house made open to the public, saying the house was "unsafe" for children (as if the streets were safer). Nine homeless people and supporters refused to leave. They were kept in jail for two days and charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor. To continue a public presence, KWRU set up a tent city in the heart of Philadelphia's business district, in front of the city's Office for Housing and Community Development.