Proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Office of the Homeless Services Ombudsperson, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

Proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Office of the Homeless Services Ombudsperson, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia. WHEREAS, Homelessness and housing insecurity continues to affect Philadelphians and the City is charged with providing high-quality services to those who are experiencing some of their darkest days; and WHEREAS, Cities around the country are facing immense challenges with providing high-quality housing and shelter to those most in need, and despite significant spending for homeless services, Philadelphia is still not meeting the needs of our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the City of Philadelphia has allocated over $80 million in General Fund resources to the Office of Homeless Services with an additional $49 million in state and federal resources. Yet, City Council continues to hear of lack of resources, complaints about poor service quality, and issues with vendor payments; and WHEREAS, Throughout the FY24 budget process, it has come to the attention of City Council that there are significant issues with resources and spending in the Office of Homeless Services and a litany of unresolved grievances with shelter providers from residents experiencing homelessness; and WHEREAS, Due to the significant concerns already identified by City Council and ongoing investigations by the Office of the Inspector General, it is crucia…