U.S. budget cuts could imperil low-income housing in Philly

Possible cuts to federal funding continue to be a big concerns during Philadelphia City Council’s budget hearings. 

Any decrease in U.S. funding will need to be offset to preserve low-income housing in the city, said Anne Fadullon, director of city planning and development.

“The proposed federal budget may dramatically impact our local resources.  Regardless of what [the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development] looks like, we still need to provide housing for citizens and meet basic housing needs, she said Tuesday. “Because I know you all agree with me when I say quality affordable housing is a moral right.”

Without support from the federal budget, Fadullon said, Philadelphia will face serious trouble providing services to those in dire need.

“Honestly, without government dollars, we can’t treat the people who make $10,000 a year or less,” she said.

Philadelphia officials are reviewing how other cities are handling similar situations in hopes of coming up with new approaches.