United Voices: Community Listening Session Report

OUR VOTE, OUR FUTURE

UNITED VOICES

Community Listening Session Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Our Vote, Our Future Community Listening Session, convened on Wednesday, October 4th, united more than 45 community members, all representing UAC program partners. These partners included: Center for Hope, Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN), Colours Organization, One Day At A Time (ODAAT), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Philadelphia, and Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program (YO-ACAP). Each partner encompassed a range of missions, spanning health, housing, education, youth development, crime prevention and intervention, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

The overarching goal of this gathering was to discuss critical 2023 election issues, such as gun violence, education and the arts, housing, jobs and the economy, public health, and city management. At the heart of our discussions was the question: "What do we want the next Mayor to focus on in their first year?" This report provides an overview, delineating the challenges faced by our communities and highlighting the solution-driven approaches proposed by our esteemed partners.

The Urban Affairs Coalition unites government, business, neighborhood, and individual initiative to improve the quality of life in the region, build wealth in urban communities, and solve emerging issues. The Coalition advocates for actionable policies and delivers programs that fill critical service gaps in the region. The Our Vote, Our Future initiative addresses the need for every community to have a say in determining the issues that shape the priorities of their elected officials. Too often, the voices of communities with low- to moderate- income (LMI), or BIPOC communities, are drowned out in the din of partisan politicking, silenced through marginalization, or their voices are not even sought as marginalized communities are often less likely to be civically engaged by candidates, their parties, or their institutions.

The UAC’s Our Voice, Our Future initiative is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project managed by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute, Peter and Judy Leone, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Harriet and Larry Weiss, and the Wyncote Foundation, among others. To learn more about the project and view a full list of supporters, visit www.everyvoice-everyvote.org. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.

Community Listening Session Report

COMMUNITY CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS CENTER FOR HOPE Website: www.cfhphila.org Center for Hope's mission is to move people forward with care and hope. They achieve this by providing and maintaining safe emergency shelters for single homeless men and women aged 18 and older, referred through the City of Philadelphia. Center for Hope serves as a catalyst against homelessness, offering community members referrals to a wide array of comprehensive services, partnerships, and resources.

During the listening session, Center for Hope highlighted the pressing challenges faced by low-income families and individuals in Philadelphia. They emphasized the need to address unemployment and underemployment among this demographic, as well as the adverse effects of gentrification, which has led to inadequate and unaffordable housing. Additionally, Center for Hope noted the lack of engagement from landlords, exacerbating the housing crisis.

Challenges Identified: Unemployment and Underemployment: Low-income families and individuals in Philadelphia struggle to find stable employment opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and housing instability.

Gentrification: Gentrification in certain neighborhoods has led to the displacement of longstanding residents and the creation of housing shortages, making affordable housing inaccessible.

Lack of Landlord Engagement: The absence of active landlord engagement and support exacerbates housing issues and prevents meaningful solutions.

Proposed Solutions: Co-op Housing Models: Center for Hope recommends the implementation of cooperative housing models that empower residents and ensure long-term affordability. These models can provide stable housing and foster a sense of community ownership.

Comprehensive Case Management: To address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals and families, Center for Hope proposes the introduction of case management and support services. These services would encompass budgeting assistance, personal development, landlord engagement, and vital document assistance.

Expanded Homelessness Services: Recognizing the connection between housing instability and homelessness, Center for Hope advocates for the expansion of services to assist those experiencing homelessness. This includes the establishment of medical facilities, aftercare organizations, legal services, and expungement clinics.

Education-Based Empowerment: To break the cycle of poverty, Center for Hope suggests the introduction of education-based empowerment models. These models would cover financial literacy, job/trade training, and mental health/drug abuse education, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for self-sufficiency.

Community Listening Session Report

PHILADELPHIA ANTI-DRUG/ANTI-VIOLENCE NETWORK (PAAN) Website: www.paan1989.org PAAN is committed to promoting community safety in Philadelphia by addressing drug abuse and violence, with a focus on preventing juvenile delinquency and recidivism. They promote positive human development and transformation.

During the listening session, PAAN emphasized the critical need for police reform with a focus on cultural sensitivity to build trust within communities. They also highlighted the absence of youth prevention programs, which has created a gap in community support.

Challenges Identified: Police Reform and Cultural Sensitivity: PAAN recognizes the need for comprehensive police reform, including cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement officers. This is crucial to build trust and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Absence of Youth Prevention Programs: The lack of youth prevention programs leaves a gap in community support, hindering efforts to address and prevent juvenile delinquency and youth violence.

Proposed Solutions: Community Clinicians: PAAN proposes the introduction of community clinicians to address mental health and addiction issues within affected communities. These professionals can provide essential support and intervention.

After-School Programs: To address the gap in youth support, PAAN advocates for the implementation of after-school programs that emphasize emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and positive youth development.

Parenting Initiatives: Strengthening family dynamics is essential for community well-being.

PAAN suggests the introduction of parenting initiatives to support families and promote positive relationships.

Advocacy for Prison Reforms: PAAN calls for advocacy for prison reforms and the establishment of safe havens for adolescents and children to prevent youth from entering or returning to the criminal justice system.

Community Listening Session Report

Colours Website: coloursorganization.org The Colours Organization's mission is to impact, improve, and empower the lives of LGBTQ+ communities of color, especially those of the African diaspora, within the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. They focus on holistic wellness, safety, intersectionality, and community mobilization.

Colours emphasized the importance of reevaluating police funding to better serve community needs, focusing on health and wellness, especially for marginalized groups, and addressing climate change through citywide initiatives.

Challenges Identified: Reevaluating Police Funding: Colours advocates for a reevaluation of police funding to ensure it aligns with community needs and priorities while addressing concerns of excessive force and systemic bias.

Health and Wellness: Prioritizing health and wellness, especially among marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, is crucial to address health disparities and promote well-being.

Climate Change and Citywide Cleanups: Colours recognizes the importance of addressing climate change and implementing citywide cleanups to create a safer and healthier environment.

Proposed Solutions: Increased Funding for Education and Community Infrastructure: Colours recommends redirecting funds to education and community infrastructure to support marginalized communities and promote equity.

Advocacy for Affordable Food Prices: To address health disparities, Colours advocates for affordable food pricing and the implementation of efficient public transportation to improve access to healthy food options.

LGBTQ+ Training and Cultural Sensitivity: Colours suggests the introduction of LGBTQ+ training and cultural sensitivity programs in schools to create inclusive and safe environments.

Community Listening Session Report

ONE DAY AT A TIME (ODAAT) Website: odaat-philly.org ODAAT is dedicated to serving low-income and homeless men and women and their families in the Philadelphia area who are afflicted by addiction and HIV/AIDS. They offer a range of services to support recovery and well-being.

During the listening session, ODAAT highlighted the need for accessible substance abuse and alcohol recovery programs, comprehensive support for the homeless population, including familyoriented counseling, and expressed concern about 3D printing technology creating illegal guns.

Challenges Identified: Accessible Substance Abuse and Alcohol Recovery Programs: ODAAT recognizes the critical need for accessible substance abuse and alcohol recovery programs to provide support and resources for individuals seeking recovery.

Comprehensive Support for the Homeless: Addressing homelessness requires comprehensive support, including family-oriented counseling, to help individuals and families transition to stable housing.

Concern About 3D Printing Technology: ODAAT is concerned about the potential implications of 3D printing technology creating illegal guns, which poses a threat to community safety.

Proposed Solutions: Investment in Community Work Programs and STEM Initiatives: To address substance abuse and homelessness, ODAAT proposes investment in community work programs and STEM initiatives to provide opportunities for skill development and sustainable employment.

Structured Re-Entry Programming: ODAAT recommends the creation of structured re-entry programming for returning citizens, focusing on sustainable employment and successful reintegration into society.

Task Force for 3D Gun Making: To address concerns about 3D printing technology, ODAAT suggests the creation of a task force dedicated to addressing the issue of 3D gun making and its implications.

Adjusting the Minimum Wage: To address the increased cost of living, ODAAT advocates for adjusting the minimum wage to reflect the economic realities in Philadelphia.

Community Listening Session Report

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Philadelphia Website: namiphilly.org NAMI Philadelphia is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. They work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness and advocate for increased funding for mental health research and services.

During the listening session, NAMI Philadelphia highlighted the limited access to mental health resources within educational institutions and the challenges faced by communities trapped in cycles of violence, economic struggles, and trauma.

Challenges Identified: Limited Access to Mental Health Resources: NAMI Philadelphia recognizes the limited access to mental health resources within educational institutions, preventing students from receiving necessary support.

Communities Trapped in Cycles of Violence: Communities trapped in cycles of violence, economic struggles, and trauma face significant challenges that impact overall well-being.

Proposed Solutions: Placement of Mental Health Professionals: NAMI Philadelphia proposes the placement of mental health professionals in high-violence communities to provide immediate support and access to mental health resources.

Gun Violence Education Programs: To address the cycle of violence, NAMI Philadelphia suggests the introduction of gun violence education programs through school speakers and storytelling, aiming to reduce stigma and raise awareness.

Program Offering Gift Cards in Exchange for Guns: NAMI Philadelphia recommends the implementation of a program offering gift cards in exchange for guns, tailored to address the local situation and reduce the availability of firearms.

Community Listening Session Report

Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program (YO-ACAP) Website: uac.org/partners/yo-acap YOACAP's mission is to enhance the quality of life and health for Philadelphians through communitybased and culturally competent interventions. They offer a range of services and programs to support the well-being of the community.

YOACAP emphasized challenges related to limited school funding, restricted access to affordable housing, lack of awareness about gun laws and safety, and the impact of low self-esteem and motivation among young people.

Challenges Identified: Limited School Funding: Insufficient funding for schools restricts access to quality education, extracurricular activities, and afterschool programs for youth, hindering their personal development.

Restricted Access to Housing: The limited availability of affordable housing and lack of resources for homeless populations pose significant challenges in Philadelphia.

Gun Law Safety Awareness: Lack of awareness about gun laws and safety measures contributes to an unsafe environment, especially for young people.

Youth Self-Esteem and Motivation: Low self-esteem and lack of motivation among young people impact their overall well-being and future prospects.

Proposed Solutions: Increased School Funding: YOACAP recommends prioritizing increased school funding, with a focus on supporting extracurricular activities, GED attainment programs, trade schools, and afterschool initiatives to enhance educational opportunities and personal development for youth.

Implement Gun Safety Laws: To address safety concerns, YOACAP suggests implementing gun safety laws and raising awareness about responsible firearm ownership.

Programs for Youth Self-Esteem and Motivation: YOACAP proposes the development of programs aimed at improving self-esteem and motivation among young individuals, providing mentorship, counseling, and support services to boost their confidence and overall well-being.

Community Listening Session Report

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS In response to the critical issues discussed during the Listening Session, UAC Partners have proposed a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges and driving positive change in the Philadelphia community. These recommendations reflect the insights, expertise, and commitment of each partner organization.

IMMEDIATE ACTION ITEMS Introduce Legislation Supporting Affordable Housing Initiatives, Rent Control, and Minimum Wage Increase: To address the housing crisis and rising living costs, partners recommend the introduction of legislation supporting affordable housing initiatives, rent control measures, and an increase in the minimum wage to ensure housing accessibility for all and improve the quality of life.

Community Policing Initiatives and Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training: Recognizing the need for improved community safety and mental health support, partners propose community policing initiatives and mental health crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers.

Prioritize Increased Funding for Schools and Expand After-School Programs: Partners advocate for increased funding for schools, with a specific focus on supporting extracurricular activities, GED attainment programs, trade schools, and afterschool initiatives. This will enhance educational opportunities and personal development for youth.

Comprehensive School Curriculum Reforms, Including Life Skills Education: Partners emphasize the importance of comprehensive school curriculum reforms, including life skills education, to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for success.

Increased Funding for Community Centers and Recreational Programs: Partners call for increased funding for community centers and recreational programs to create safe and engaging spaces for community members.

Community Listening Session Report

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS LONG-TERM VISION Create a City-Wide Mentorship Network and Vocational Training Programs: Partners envision the creation of a city-wide mentorship network and vocational training programs to foster economic growth, skill development, and opportunities for individuals in the community.

Develop a Long-Term Plan for SEPTA Safety: Partners propose the development of a comprehensive, long-term plan for SEPTA safety, addressing issues related to crime, cleanliness, and passenger well-being through strategic initiatives and policies.

CONNECT WITH OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS: Center for Hope cfhphila.org info@cfhphila.org

Colours coloursorganization.org info@coloursorganization.org

tel: (267) 570-3200

tel: (215) 832 – 0100

One Day At A Time odaat-philly.org

Philadelphia AntiDrug/Anti-Violence Network paan1989.org

info@odaat-philly.org tel: (215) 226-7860

tel: (215) 940-0550

THANK YOU!

NAMI Philadelphia namiphilly.org Info@namiphilly.org tel: 1 844-745-4673

Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program (YO-ACAP) uac.org/partners/yo-acap tel: (215) 851-1834