By Russell Zerbo, Advocate, Clean Air Council and Emily Abendroth, Program Manager, Philly Climate Works
On July 22nd at the Hunting Park Recreation Center, the HERE 4 Climate Justice (Housing, Equity, Repair, and Electrification for Climate Justice) coalition held its first public event, bringing together local residents, elected officials and organizations to talk about the past, present and future of housing justice in the City of Philadelphia. The HERE 4 Climate Justice coalition brings together community organizations, home repair providers, workforce and community development partners, and climate justice groups across Philadelphia to fight for safe, healthy, affordable, fossil-free housing for all.
It was an all-around beautiful day, both in terms of the weather and the warm spirit of community-building that pervaded the space. More than a dozen organizations presented informational tables and resources. Speakers included Stasia Monteiro (of HACE); Naida Elena Montes (long-time North Philly resident and community advocate); PA State Senator Nikil Saval; Charles Lanier (of Hunting Park NAC & NEC); and Rev. Dr. Della Jamison (Built to Last participant and community advocate). We were also happy to be joined by Councilperson Quetcy Lozada and Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street.
Speakers praised the success of state and local housing rehabilitation programs like the statewide Whole Home Repair program and the Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Built to Last program, while uplifting residents’ current struggles to stay safe in the face of increased heat and precipitation. Participating organizations emphasized that this is just the beginning of sustained efforts to protect residents from the worst effects of climate change and the harmful impacts it is having on people’s homes and neighborhoods.
The Summer Cooldown provided an opportunity to engage with community members, politicians, and other organizations to lift up the coalition’s concerns and vision for Philadelphia as it relates to housing and climate justice. Sponsored by the HERE 4 Climate Justice coalition and the Hunting Park NAC, the event concluded by raffling off five box fans and one air conditioner to participating attendees.
In preparation for the event, the coalition also launched a website and produced a variety of public-facing materials in order to spread word of its efforts and to encourage the growth of its membership.
The HERE 4 Climate Justice Coalition is currently considering next steps in its housing advocacy work and seeks to build upon the success of July’s Summer Cooldown. You can sign up for the coalition’s monthly newsletter and find out more on how to get involved via the website, or via email at here4climatejustice@gmail.com.
Likewise, we’re excited to hear from you about upcoming events or issues that the coalition can support and participate in.
Climate Justice IS Housing Justice!
This blog was included as part of the September 2023 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!