How Mayor Parker’s Pledge Will Compliment Our Work

At Family Promise of Philadelphia (FPP), we commend Mayor Cherelle Parker’s pledge to add 1,000 new beds to the city’s shelter system. FPP is excited to be growing our capacity in unison with the City of Philadelphia. With more beds, fewer of our homeless neighbors will have to suffer through cold nights while exposed to the elements.

The problem of homelessness in Philadelphia is stark. Between 2021 and 2024, there was a 46% increase in the number of homeless pre-kindergarten children and a 24% increase in grade school children from 2023 to 2024. FPP is stepping up to meet this crisis alongside the Parker administration.

In 2026, we are increasing our capacity to help families struggling with homelessness. We are primarily doing this through homelessness prevention work. A body of research published over the past decade shows that rent assistance and case management is a highly effective method of reducing the risk of homelessness — in both the short and long terms. Our prevention program expansion compliments the increase in shelter capacity we are witnessing across the city.

Additionally, we continue to offer families shelter services. We believe it is essential to provide each of the families we house with a high level of care. With Mayor Parker’s pledge, shelter providers across Philadelphia are increasing their capacities and enhancing their services.

Most of us have seen first-hand that too many of our neighbors are struggling with homelessness. We cannot solve this issue alone. That’s why we appreciate Mayor Parker’s effort to increase capacity among homelessness service providers throughout Philadelphia.