Regional Housing Legal Services
@rhlspa.bsky.social
A nonprofit law firm with unique expertise in affordable, sustainable housing and its related components (reposts do not indicate endorsement).
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This article asks the simple question, "We must ask the critics of inclusionary housing a specific, uncomfortable question: If we eliminate these requirements tomorrow, will the private market build a single unit affordable to a janitor?"
What Critics Get Wrong About Inclusionary Housing
Development should come with affordability. Here's the case for inclusionary housing, and why opponents aren't seeing the full picture.
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February 10, 2026 at 5:05 PM
This article asks the simple question, "We must ask the critics of inclusionary housing a specific, uncomfortable question: If we eliminate these requirements tomorrow, will the private market build a single unit affordable to a janitor?"
Philanthropy is encouraged to weigh in on ideas for building more affordable housing, with deregulation touted as the best strategy. Instead, the author argues, they should support housing production, tenant protections, and zoning reform. Read more, tell us what you think.
Philanthropy Cannot Solve the Housing Crisis by Defunding Justice
That funders should stop supporting housing justice organizations in the name of boosting production is a “false and ultimately destructive choice,” guest author Quintin Mecke writes.
buff.ly
February 6, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Philanthropy is encouraged to weigh in on ideas for building more affordable housing, with deregulation touted as the best strategy. Instead, the author argues, they should support housing production, tenant protections, and zoning reform. Read more, tell us what you think.
A bit of positive news for seniors in Philadelphia, the dilapidated Brith Shalom building will be completely rehabbed, and former residents able to return.
buff.ly/eXWOpLX
buff.ly/eXWOpLX
A unique labor partnership will fund the rebuild of this West Philly high-rise
PHA announced a $100 million agreement to restore the apartment tower in Wynnefield Heights, creating “deeply affordable” senior housing and hundreds of jobs.
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
A bit of positive news for seniors in Philadelphia, the dilapidated Brith Shalom building will be completely rehabbed, and former residents able to return.
buff.ly/eXWOpLX
buff.ly/eXWOpLX
RHLS worked with @WCRP on the Linda Lockman-King Apartments, read more about this development, coming soon to West Philadelphia, on our website!
Linda Lockman King Apartments in West Philadelphia, affordable, safe housing for families. - RHLS Website
The Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) builds and runs supportive, affordable housing for families in Philadelphia. WCRP was established in 1986 and is a woman-led community development…
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February 4, 2026 at 5:01 PM
RHLS worked with @WCRP on the Linda Lockman-King Apartments, read more about this development, coming soon to West Philadelphia, on our website!
A study from Georgia shows that families with unstable incomes end up paying much more for housing in the form of long-term hotel rentals. But it doesn't need to be this way! There are You can listen to the interview here:
Georgia State study shows how much tenants spend on extended-stay hotels
A new Georgia State University study found more than 4,600 people are living in extended-stay hotels because they can’t access traditional rental housing, even though many are working and paying more…
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February 3, 2026 at 9:01 PM
A study from Georgia shows that families with unstable incomes end up paying much more for housing in the form of long-term hotel rentals. But it doesn't need to be this way! There are You can listen to the interview here:
Not just thoughts and prayers, but action, here is an example of how churches are stepping up to create homes:
Grace Lutheran explores affordable housing development on parking lot
Before moving to Evanston’s Grace Lutheran Church, Pastor Luke Harris-Ferree joined a congregation in Seattle at a key moment: Construction had just begun on an affordable housing development in what…
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February 2, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Not just thoughts and prayers, but action, here is an example of how churches are stepping up to create homes:
Pennsylvania needs more housing, especially affordable housing. At the same time, we need to fix the homes that we have. We support a bipartisan, statewide strategy to build more homes in the commonwealth. Read how the legislature is looking ahead to progress:
Shapiro plans to unveil housing plan amid rising costs
But major obstacles stand in the way of the Democratic governor as affordability remains a top issue in PA and nationally.
buff.ly
January 30, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Pennsylvania needs more housing, especially affordable housing. At the same time, we need to fix the homes that we have. We support a bipartisan, statewide strategy to build more homes in the commonwealth. Read how the legislature is looking ahead to progress:
Many ideas are floating around about how to help more people get the down payment that they need to buy a home. This article suggests a targeted savings plan similar to a 401 (k) or a PA 529. What do you think?
The New Urban Order: Where’s the American Dream for Renters?
Renters — a generation who can’t afford to buy — deserve economic mobility, too. The solution: Programs that help save money and build equity
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Many ideas are floating around about how to help more people get the down payment that they need to buy a home. This article suggests a targeted savings plan similar to a 401 (k) or a PA 529. What do you think?
RHLS joined the Coalition for Equitable Energy and Housing in Pennsylvania to submit recommendations on PA Act 129. As the PUC prepares to oversee Phase 5, it is more important than ever to help multi-family residences bring down their utility costs. Read more on our website:
RHLS submits recommendations to the Pennsylvania Utility Commission on the energy efficiency and conservation program known as Act 129. - RHLS Website
Affordable utilities are critical to housing security for families with low incomes. For affordable housing providers that include utility costs in the rent they charge tenants, maintaining…
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January 28, 2026 at 5:05 PM
RHLS joined the Coalition for Equitable Energy and Housing in Pennsylvania to submit recommendations on PA Act 129. As the PUC prepares to oversee Phase 5, it is more important than ever to help multi-family residences bring down their utility costs. Read more on our website:
We are glad to see that PECO is increasing its aid to low-income consumers, but as PULP ED Liz Marx points out, it is a band-aid solution at best. Read more: buff.ly/bF8Zz9n
As electricity rates soar, PECO adds $2.5 million in aid for low-income customers
Utility aims to keep the heat on during cold weather while calling for long-term solutions.
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January 27, 2026 at 5:06 PM
We are glad to see that PECO is increasing its aid to low-income consumers, but as PULP ED Liz Marx points out, it is a band-aid solution at best. Read more: buff.ly/bF8Zz9n
Reentry programs like this one in Charlotte are braced for budget cuts as the trickle-down effects of the last budget bill are felt throughout the social justice space:
Charlotte Reentry Programs Could Look Different After Federal Budget Cuts
Recidivism rates remain high across America and programs that can help reduce those rates are now in jeopardy with federal budget cuts.
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January 26, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Reentry programs like this one in Charlotte are braced for budget cuts as the trickle-down effects of the last budget bill are felt throughout the social justice space:
Good news, more housing is coming to the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it will be deeply affordable:
PHA seeks to transform vacant Germantown properties into 121 affordable rentals
The properties were part of Germantown Settlement’s vast real estate portfolio before the social services nonprofit was undone by scandal.
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January 23, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Good news, more housing is coming to the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it will be deeply affordable:
RHLS was proud to partner with Catholic Housing and Community Services on the St Katherine Drexel senior apartments. Read more on our website:
St Katherine of Drexel senior housing begins construction. - RHLS Website
The groundbreaking crew was all happy smiles at the St Katherine Drexel Place groundbreaking ceremony in the fall.
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January 21, 2026 at 5:04 PM
RHLS was proud to partner with Catholic Housing and Community Services on the St Katherine Drexel senior apartments. Read more on our website:
Eviction impacts black families harder in large part due to a lack of access to legal representation. Legal aid saves homes.
“The system is unstable, not us”: How South Carolina evictions harm Black mothers
The state has one of the highest eviction rates in the U.S., and Black women and children are disproportionately the target
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January 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Eviction impacts black families harder in large part due to a lack of access to legal representation. Legal aid saves homes.
"We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."
January 19, 2026 at 5:02 PM
"We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."
Attaching racist polices to bills masquerading as "tough on drugs/crime" allowed law makers too look good while denying people of color their rights, especially to fair housing practices. Read more about the history of fair housing exemptions and the impact they carry:
How the Drug War Undermined Fair Housing—and What to Do About It | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
A 1988 Fair Housing Act amendment allows landlords to reject applicants with any drug conviction, even if minor. This undermines fair housing and must be changed.
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January 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Attaching racist polices to bills masquerading as "tough on drugs/crime" allowed law makers too look good while denying people of color their rights, especially to fair housing practices. Read more about the history of fair housing exemptions and the impact they carry:
Despite high demand, the whole home repair program has failed to get funded by the PA Budget.
Pennsylvania’s home repair program left out of state budget, despite high demand • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Whole Home Repair Program doesn't yet have a state-funded successor, dubbed PA Home Preservation Program, despite its popularity.
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Despite high demand, the whole home repair program has failed to get funded by the PA Budget.
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
Attorneys are needed to provide #probono representation at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, weekly in Doylestown.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
January 13, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Attorneys are needed to provide #probono representation at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, weekly in Doylestown.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
More of Trump retribution agenda: Proposed rule to to weaken enforcement of Fair Housing Act out tomorrow. In midst of a housing crisis. Before he was a convicted felon Trump was a Fair Housing violator.
Today, the "day early" version of a proposed HUD rule to rescind the Department's existing disparate impact regulations appeared on the Federal Register website. It will be formally published in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 30-day comment period. Here's what that all means.
1/
1/
Public Inspection: Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard
Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard
www.federalregister.gov
January 14, 2026 at 12:37 AM
More of Trump retribution agenda: Proposed rule to to weaken enforcement of Fair Housing Act out tomorrow. In midst of a housing crisis. Before he was a convicted felon Trump was a Fair Housing violator.
Did you know? Next Monday is Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service.
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
Fill | Justice Fest '26
Join us for Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service. This special event brings together local musicians, advocates, families, and neighbors...
buff.ly
January 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Did you know? Next Monday is Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service.
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
The DOJ will investigate Boston for "reverse racism", a spurious claim that the city allows people of color to get all of the available affordable housing. This may be in reaction to the lawsuit that Boston filed against Trump. Read more:
Trump's HUD accuses Boston of engaging in "redlining" against white people
More than 50 years ago, the Trump family faced a similar government challenge for refusing to rent to Black people.
buff.ly
January 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The DOJ will investigate Boston for "reverse racism", a spurious claim that the city allows people of color to get all of the available affordable housing. This may be in reaction to the lawsuit that Boston filed against Trump. Read more:
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
Get free help with discharge upgrades, Veterans Treatment Court & VA benefits!
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
January 12, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Get free help with discharge upgrades, Veterans Treatment Court & VA benefits!
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
Home sharing isn't new, but an official program that supports the approach will only make it stronger.
Inside HomeShare Ulster County: A Community-Based Approach to Affordable Housing
HomeShare Ulster County matches residents with spare rooms to neighbors seeking affordable housing, offering connection, stability, and a community-based solution to rising rents.
buff.ly
January 12, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Home sharing isn't new, but an official program that supports the approach will only make it stronger.
Single-room occupancy buildings used to be a common living model, but they fell out of favor. Now, some want to bring them back, what do you think? Will they help the housing crisis? Or will people reject such a space?
Institute For Justice Introduces First-in-Nation Single-Room Occupancy Model Legislation, “ROOM Act,” to Combat Housing Crisis in States - Institute for Justice
Arlington, Va.—Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) is announcing the publication of the ROOM Act, a new model bill to help combat the ongoing housing […]
buff.ly
January 9, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Single-room occupancy buildings used to be a common living model, but they fell out of favor. Now, some want to bring them back, what do you think? Will they help the housing crisis? Or will people reject such a space?
Did you know? Esperanza operates a Community Land Trust that helps low-income Philadelphians rent affordable homes and remain in their community. Read more:
Esperanza Community Land Trust: A real alternative for affordable housing in the community
Esperanza Community Land Trust: A real alternative for affordable housing in the community
buff.ly
January 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Did you know? Esperanza operates a Community Land Trust that helps low-income Philadelphians rent affordable homes and remain in their community. Read more: