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The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

In 2022, fatal drug overdoses in Philadelphia hit a peak of 1,413, with people of color hit hardest. More than 80% of the overdose fatalities in 2022 involved opioids, almost always fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)

New Medicaid policy boosts 'street medicine' in PA

Philadelphia is addressing its opioid crisis by deploying mobile medical units to provide Medicaid-funded "street medicine" to the unhoused population…

Upon release from prison, Section 1115 waivers would offer individuals reentry services, case management, medication-assisted treatment and a minimum 30-day medication supply. (AliFuat/Adobe Stock)

PA aims to simplify health coverage for kids with Medicaid waiver

A proposed waiver would eliminate Medicaid issues by ensuring uninterrupted coverage for qualified children until they turn 6. If approved by the …

About 77% of Pennsylvania students who experienced homelessness lived in doubled-up situations, 11% lived in shelters or transitional housing, 8% stayed in hotels and 4% lived in unsheltered locations, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Homeless Children Education Fund)

Mobile classroom 'Winnie’s Wagon' helping unhoused students

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile classroom brings education and support directly to unhoused youths. More than 3,100 school-aged children in …

Black children are more than six times more likely to re-enter foster care than white children.<br />(Jade M/peopleimages.com)<br />

Report: Strengthening PA child-welfare system for kids, families

The 14th annual "State of Child Welfare in Pennsylvania" report is out. It shows some progress but also highlights ongoing areas of concern. Reports …

Older and disabled adults have received more than $7.6 billion in property tax and rent relief since the start of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program in 1971. (Lordn/AdobeStock)

PA Expands Property Tax, Rent Rebate Program to Aid Older Adults

Pennsylvanians will soon see some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 1100 into law…

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book noted Pennsylvania's average annual cost of center-based child care for a toddler was $11,346, or 10% of the median income for a married couple and 35% of a single mother's income in the state. (DenisProduction.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Ranks 22nd Among States in Child Well-Being

Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children. It is 22nd overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, from October 2021 to September 2022, Pennsylvania has received a record $480.5 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program available this fiscal year. (Andreykr/AdobeStock)

PA Leaders Focus on Infrastructure, Transportation During NLC Conference

City leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country convened in Washington, D.C., this week for the National League of Cities Congressional City …

About 800,000 veterans call Pennsylvania home, the fourth-largest veterans' population in the country. Nationwide, at least one in 10 people who are unhoused is a military veteran. (MISHELLA/Adobe Stock)

State Reaches Out to Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reaching out to veterans who are experiencing homelessness, a number that's close to 1…

The state has $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan dollars. It must be used by 2024 or returned to the federal government. (Adobe Stock)

PA Officials Call for Boosting Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania lawmakers and community leaders gathered in Montgomery County Wednesday, urging the General Assembly to use $204 million in unspent …

The Shared Housing Partnership was inspired in part by Community College of Philadelphia's Fostering Caring Connections program for young people, ages 16 to 24, formerly in foster care. (Elizabeth Field/Community College of Philadelphia)

Supporting Phila. Community College Students with Affordable Housing

A partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Housing Authority aims to make finding a place to live easier for student…

More than 400 personal-care homes in Pennsylvania that served low-income clients, or 46% of the statewide total, have closed since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

PA Health Officials Want More Funding for Personal-Care Homes

Pennsylvania officials visited a personal-care home in York County on Wednesday to highlight the need for continued investment in the state's long-ter…

The legislation allows districts to waive local requirements for graduation if the student has demonstrated competency in a specific content area. (Adobe Stock)

New Law Supports PA Students Facing Graduation Barriers

Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law on Wednesday to provide direct support to Pennsylvania youth experiencing educational instability, ensuring they …

An estimated 529,000 Philadelphians spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs, including rent and utilities, according to data from Pew Charitable Trusts. (Adobe Stock)

After Fire, Advocates Say Philly Must Address Affordable-Housing Crisis

A devastating fire in a Philadelphia public-housing rowhome last week killed 12 people, eight of them children. In the aftermath, advocates say …

As of April, Philadelphia landlords are required to apply for rental assistance and enroll in the city's eviction-diversion program prior to filing for eviction due to rent non-payment. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Reform Tenant-Screening Reports in PA

PHILADELPHIA -- New legislation in the state Senate would address what housing advocates say are unfair eviction records leading to residents being de…

A partir de abril, los propietarios de Filadelfia deben solicitar asistencia para el alquiler e inscribirse en el programa de desalojo de la ciudad antes de solicitar desalojo debido a falta de pago del alquiler. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de ley reformaría informes de selección de inquilinos en PA

Filadelfia -- Una nueva legislación en el Senado estatal abordaría lo que los defensores de la vivienda dicen que son registros de desalojo …

Students often face delays in getting their academic records transferred to their new school, which can lead to delays in re-enrollment. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Address Barriers to Graduation for Some PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A bill making its way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would help ensure a smooth transition to graduation for young …

A new study estimates for every dollar invested in universal access to eviction counsel in Pennsylvania, there is an estimated cost savings of $3 to $6. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Universal Access to Legal Counsel Could Help Prevent Evictions in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As housing advocates prepare for the end of the CDC's eviction moratorium Saturday, a new report showed expanding access to legal …

To qualify for Pennsylvania's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), household income must be 80% or less of the county's Area Median Income (AMI). (Adobe Stock)

Groups Working to Prevent PA Evictions: "30 More Days Isn't Enough"

PHILADELPHIA - The federal moratorium on evictions has been extended through July 31 - but the Biden administration says this is the final extension…

COVID-driven unemployment has left millions of tenants nationwide thousands of dollars behind in rent. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

Biden Eviction Moratorium Called "Good Start"

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As an estimated 230,000 Pennsylvania families face possible eviction, civil-rights advocates say President Joe Biden's executive …

Nationwide one-third of adults with children are likely to have to leave their homes due to eviction or foreclosure. (Thomas/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Leaves PA Children, Families Struggling

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A new report shows the COVID pandemic is having a big impact on the health and well-being of children and families in Pennsylvania …

Pennsylvania's Democratic lawmakers say a

Legislators Say PA Needs a “Just Recovery”

HARRISBURG, Penn. -- As Pennsylvania reopens in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some state lawmakers are calling for action to ensure the economic …

Even with schools closed, the law says all students should have access to the educational services they need. (GAYSORN/Adobe Stock)

Education Rights Still in Force During Pandemic

PHILADELPHIA - A new series of fliers is available to help inform parents and children about their rights to educational services while schools are cl…

Without surrogate parents, a young person who is unaccompanied and homeless cannot enforce their right to educational services. (Wokandapix/Pixabay)

A Win for PA Students with Disabilities

PHILADELPHIA – Students with disabilities who are homeless in Pennsylvania have won an important victory. Following an investigation into the …

About 33 percent of Pennsylvania's foster-care population is age 14 or older. (pxhere)

Older Youth in PA Foster Care Struggle to Succeed

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania could do more to prepare young people in foster care for adulthood - but Allegheny County is making real progress…

More than a million commuters ride SEPTA trains and buses daily. (Buswizard [Public domain]/Wikimedia Commons)

SEPTA Sued for Banning Ads About Housing Discrimination

PHILADELPHIA – Banning ads about controversial issues is a violation of free-speech rights – that's the claim of a lawsuit filed against t…

The number of American Families that rent their homes has grown to 43 million. (U.S.A.F. photo by R.J. Oriez)

Financial Insecurity Growing as Rents Rise

HARRISBURG, Pa. – High rents are threatening families' financial security and putting home ownership out of reach for many, according to a new …

The Weatherization Assistance Program saves households an average of $283 per year. (StockSnap/Pixabay)

Energy Help for Low-Income Pennsylvanians Still Precarious

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With cold weather on the way, programs that help low-income Pennsylvanians keep warm are still in jeopardy in Washington. The …

LGBT Americans have special needs as they reach retirement age. (CityofStPete/Flickr)

Aging as LGBT Brings Unique Challenges

HARRISBURG, Pa. – With LGBT Pride celebrations just around the corner, a new report shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults …

Under Wilkes-Barre's ordinance, tenants with no knowledge of an offense could be immediately evicted. (Daniel/Flickr)

Wilkes-Barre Ends "One-Strike" Evictions

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The City of Wilkes-Barre has agreed to stop enforcing its "one strike, you're out" ordinance. The local law allows the city to …

A parent's incarceration can trigger anxiety and depression in their children. (Unsplash/Pixabay)

Helping Kids Cope After a Parent is Jailed

HARRISBURG, Pa. – When a parent goes to prison, the effects on his or her children can be devastating, but a new report by the Annie E…

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can draw election districts based on total population. (Ken Chan/Flickr)

'One Person, One Vote’ Survives Challenge in Supreme Court

HARRISBURG, Pa. - In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld the principle of 'one person, one vote,' by ruling that states may …

Groups opposed to changes in Philadelphia's anti-deportation policy rallied at City Hall on Friday. Courtesy New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia

Groups Tell Philly Mayor No Changes to ICE Hold Policy

PHILADELPHIA - Community groups and immigration advocates are telling Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to keep his hands off the city's anti-deportat…

Syrian refugees now entering the United States began the process in 2012. Credit: Voice of America News/Wikimedia Commons

Calls for Banning Syrian Refugees Seen as Misguided

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Following last week's terrorist attacks in Paris, at least 26 governors have said they won't allow Syrian refugees to resettle in …

Without a state budget, nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels for Pennsylvania seniors are running out of money. Credit: U.S. Aair Force.

Pennsylvania Budget Impasse Hurting Seniors

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The four-month budget impasse in Harrisburg is hitting services for seniors particularly hard. In some counties, state funds …

The mentally ill may wait years in jail for court-ordered competency restoration treatment. Credit: TryJimmy/pixabay.com

Lawsuit Challenges Prolonged Detention of Mentally Ill

PHILADELPHIA - The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of mentally-ill prisoners held in Pennsylvania jails while awaiting treatment. …

PHOTO: Upgrades to PA affordable multi-family housing could save everyone money and reduce energy usage � a lot. Photo by Rudy Matthews Photography and Lloyd Wright for the National Housing Trust.

Big Energy & Money Savings in PA Affordable Housing

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Basic steps for Pennsylvania's affordable housing will have a huge energy efficiency payoff, according to two new studies…

PHOTO: Walmart workers are continuing their push for labor rights on Black Friday this year, when Pennsylvania will see several protests as part of a national mobilization. Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO.

Black Friday: Workers' Demands Won't Go Away

PHILADELPHIA - Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has long been known as the kickoff of the holiday shopping season. Lately, Black Friday has …

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a case involving an anti-immigrant ordinance passed in Hazleton which was deemed unconstitutional by lower courts. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Anti-Immigrant Ordinance in PA Dies in High Court

HAZLETON, Pa. - The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear the case of anti-immigrant ordinances passed by a Pennsylvania city in 2006 but deemed …

There are concerns among community advocates in Pennsylvania that the Mortgage Choice Act could make lending less transparent. Photo courtesy of www.sxc.hu.

Fair Lending On The Line In Pennsylvania?

HARRISBURG, Pa. – With many Pennsylvania communities still reeling from the damage done by the housing meltdown comes legislation that could …

PHOTO: Almost one in four Illinois renters spends more than half their income on rent. Photo credit: Microsoft Images.

Money Woes Worsen for Renters in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Just because you have a job doesn't mean you can pay the rent in Pennsylvania. A new report from the nonprofit organization …

ACLU: New Philly Food Handout Policy Violates Church Rights

PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is suing the city over a policy change that would no longer allow churches to hand …

Report: More Pennsylvanians Could Find Themselves on Brink of Being Homeless

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Fewer Pennsylvania families and veterans found themselves homeless in the past two years - a positive sign during rough economic …

Net Neutrality and Occupy Wall Street – Making A Connection

CHICAGO - The U.S. Senate may vote this week on overturning Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules aimed at guaranteeing an open Internet…

Report: PA Non-Profits Generating Big Benefits for Poor and Disadvantaged

PHILADELPHIA - A new report says Pennsylvania is benefiting in a big way from the work of organizations that are not-for-profit. Over the past …

A Strategy to Boost Business in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Calling it a critical investment in Pennsylvania's 21st century workforce, a number of groups are pushing for passage of a measure …

PA Marks World Habitat Day Monday

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Across Pennsylvania today, events are taking place in recognition of World Habitat Day, focused on the work Habitat for Humanity …

What the New Consumer Finance Agency Means for PA Families and Economy

HARRISBURG, Penn. - The financial meltdown at the start of he current recession was rooted in part in predatory lending and ballooning consumer debt…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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PA: Housing/Homelessness