WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, an estimated 4,000 people are without a home on any given day. Philadelphia families comprise 48% of the City's homeless population and these are the families that are fortunate enough to find open beds; and
WHEREAS, Family homelessness may be significantly higher than what the statistics report since families doubling up, "couch surfing", or living in motels are not included in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's definition of homelessness; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1991, by volunteers from a dozen Northwest Philadelphia churches and synagogues, the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN) has moved 325 families—910 individuals— from homelessness to stability. In 2012, it expanded to include congregations in Northeast Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, PIHN is one of the first affiliates of the national congregational shelter movement, Family Promise. Congregants from churches, synagogues and mosques inspired by their individual faith traditions provide emergency shelter, hospitality and other direct aid in their own congregational buildings in a non-sectarian and non-proselytizing manner; and
WHEREAS, PIHN offers a safe and child-friendly alternative to more chaotic public shelter settings, allowing families to remain intact. PIHN accommodates all family types, especially those that are often overlooked or separated in the larger shelter system. Couples, households headed by single fathers, adolescent boys, as well as single women with children have all been welcome guests in the PIHN program which strongly emphasizes taking a holistic approach to rebuilding from homelessness, so much so that PIHN families often refer to their experience as the shelter that's more like a home; and
WHEREAS, PIHN's Empty Bowl Dinner raises awareness about family hunger and homelessness. At the start of their meal, guests choose a hand-made bowl, donated by local students or professional potters, in which to eat their meal. Soups, stews, breads, desserts and beverages have been graciously provided by local restaurants and cafes. After the meal, guests take their bowls home as a reminder that every night hundreds of families go hungry in the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network for their ongoing work in providing shelter and support to homeless families and on the occasion of their 16th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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