Philly schools could soon be ‘one-stop location’ for government handouts

Instead of the welfare office and City Hall, Philadelphia residents may soon be lining up at schools to apply for government benefits.

A proposed bill by the Philadelphia City Council would make public schools the “one-stop location” for government handouts, including everything from Section 8 housing subsidies to reproductive health services.

Though the School-Based Family Services Program would focus on providing public services to children, the program extends coverage to parents and family members, creating “neighborhood-based community hubs,” which would cut down on trips to various government agencies in town.

“The Philadelphia School District’s schools offer the potential to serve as one-stop locations, where children and their families could receive those services intended to increase the likelihood that those children will thrive both in school and in their homes,” states the legislation.

Considering the bill is sponsored by 11 of 16 Philadelphia City Council members, it’s destined to pass once a public hearing is held sometime in the coming weeks, according to a legislative aide of 3rd District Councilwoman Janie Blackwell, one of the sponsors of the bill.

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