City Launches Innovative Online Services Portal to Tackle Housing Issues

Unveiling a Digital “One-Stop Shop” to Assuage Residents’ Housing Needs

April 28, 2024, marked the launch of an innovative online portal by the city authorities to provide a comprehensive solution to the residents’ housing needs. This development comes as part of the city’s 10-year Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.

“There’s a pressing need to meet people where they are,” announced Mark Carmona, the city’s Chief Housing Officer, at the portal’s release. The portal, a joint creation of the city’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department and the Community Resource Directory, acts as a “one-stop-shop” for housing-related resources.

A Gateway to Over 1,200 Resources

The Housing Services Portal offers access to more than 1,200 resources to address a wide array of housing-related needs. It is designed to provide aid in a variety of areas, including utility and rental assistance, legal assistance, eviction intervention, relocation services, home repairs, and maintenance.

“It’s all about accessibility and understanding what the needs of the community are,” explained Veronica Garcia, Director of the city’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. “By listening to our community, we have carefully curated resources that address the most pressing needs.”

Addressing the Homelessness Issue

The underlying motivation for the portal’s creation is the difficulty residents, particularly those facing homelessness, have in finding permanent, affordable housing. According to recent data, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city and county surpassed 3,000 in 2023.

“Homelessness and housing definitely go hand in hand,” Garcia stated. Therefore, the Housing Services Portal will also serve as a resourceful pathway for those individuals, helping them access necessary services and support for securing a stable living condition.

Garcia and her team are hopeful that with the portal’s launch, accessibility to housing resources, interventions, and support services will increase, thus expediting the process of securing housing for all.

What’s Next for the City’s Housing Plan?

While the portal is an integral part of the city’s 10-year Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, city officials have indicated that other initiatives are also underway. Stay tuned for further developments as the city continues its mission to provide everyone with the housing security they deserve.

About the authors:

Avery Everett and Matthew Craig are experienced multimedia journalists with a special interest in urban development, housing, and social issues. Everett, a native of Philadelphia, is known for her in-depth reporting and impactful storytelling. Craig is a seasoned photojournalist who captures the heart of the city through his lens.