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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 24, 2023 09:53 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Napoleon J. Nelson |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Combating Homelessness Across Municipalities in PA (CHAMP) Act |
In 2022, roughly 12,700 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania, with 12.7% of those individuals being unsheltered. Unfortunately, due to the lack of affordable housing more individuals are staying in shelters longer leaving less availability to others looking for assistance. Others cannot find accessible shelters in relative proximity to their prior residence due to the basic dearth of capacity. Federal and State funding flows to our Counties to provide planning and governance of affordable housing and homeless services. However, building development is governed by municipal zoning, not county planning. Pennsylvania’s counties face the responsibility for homeless housing, but they lack the authority to build it. Municipalities have the authority to develop homeless sheltering options, but lack any responsibility to provide it. For this reason, I will be introducing the Combating Homelessness Across Municipalities in PA Act, or the CHAMP Act. This legislation would require each municipality to develop a housing obligation plan that describes how the municipality plans to ensure local housing opportunities exist in or near its jurisdiction so that it can offer shelter to their own residents should they experience homelessness. It is vital that our communities look out for their most vulnerable populations in order to maintain the health and safety of Pennsylvanians. Our communities thrive when they work together to help individuals who are in need. Please join me by co-sponsoring this important legislation that would be a step forward in protecting those within our Commonwealth who are experiencing homelessness. |
Introduced as HB2098