Regional Housing Legal Services
@rhlspa.bsky.social
A nonprofit law firm with unique expertise in affordable, sustainable housing and its related components (reposts do not indicate endorsement).
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RHLS joined the Coalition for Equitable Energy and Housing in Pennsylvania to submit recommendations on PA Act 129. As the PUC prepares to oversee Phase 5, it is more important than ever to help multi-family residences bring down their utility costs. Read more on our website:
RHLS submits recommendations to the Pennsylvania Utility Commission on the energy efficiency and conservation program known as Act 129. - RHLS Website
Affordable utilities are critical to housing security for families with low incomes. For affordable housing providers that include utility costs in the rent they charge tenants, maintaining…
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January 28, 2026 at 5:05 PM
RHLS joined the Coalition for Equitable Energy and Housing in Pennsylvania to submit recommendations on PA Act 129. As the PUC prepares to oversee Phase 5, it is more important than ever to help multi-family residences bring down their utility costs. Read more on our website:
We are glad to see that PECO is increasing its aid to low-income consumers, but as PULP ED Liz Marx points out, it is a band-aid solution at best. Read more: buff.ly/bF8Zz9n
As electricity rates soar, PECO adds $2.5 million in aid for low-income customers
Utility aims to keep the heat on during cold weather while calling for long-term solutions.
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January 27, 2026 at 5:06 PM
We are glad to see that PECO is increasing its aid to low-income consumers, but as PULP ED Liz Marx points out, it is a band-aid solution at best. Read more: buff.ly/bF8Zz9n
Reentry programs like this one in Charlotte are braced for budget cuts as the trickle-down effects of the last budget bill are felt throughout the social justice space:
Charlotte Reentry Programs Could Look Different After Federal Budget Cuts
Recidivism rates remain high across America and programs that can help reduce those rates are now in jeopardy with federal budget cuts.
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January 26, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Reentry programs like this one in Charlotte are braced for budget cuts as the trickle-down effects of the last budget bill are felt throughout the social justice space:
Good news, more housing is coming to the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it will be deeply affordable:
PHA seeks to transform vacant Germantown properties into 121 affordable rentals
The properties were part of Germantown Settlement’s vast real estate portfolio before the social services nonprofit was undone by scandal.
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January 23, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Good news, more housing is coming to the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it will be deeply affordable:
RHLS was proud to partner with Catholic Housing and Community Services on the St Katherine Drexel senior apartments. Read more on our website:
St Katherine of Drexel senior housing begins construction. - RHLS Website
The groundbreaking crew was all happy smiles at the St Katherine Drexel Place groundbreaking ceremony in the fall.
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January 21, 2026 at 5:04 PM
RHLS was proud to partner with Catholic Housing and Community Services on the St Katherine Drexel senior apartments. Read more on our website:
Eviction impacts black families harder in large part due to a lack of access to legal representation. Legal aid saves homes.
“The system is unstable, not us”: How South Carolina evictions harm Black mothers
The state has one of the highest eviction rates in the U.S., and Black women and children are disproportionately the target
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January 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Eviction impacts black families harder in large part due to a lack of access to legal representation. Legal aid saves homes.
"We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."
January 19, 2026 at 5:02 PM
"We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope."
Attaching racist polices to bills masquerading as "tough on drugs/crime" allowed law makers too look good while denying people of color their rights, especially to fair housing practices. Read more about the history of fair housing exemptions and the impact they carry:
How the Drug War Undermined Fair Housing—and What to Do About It | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
A 1988 Fair Housing Act amendment allows landlords to reject applicants with any drug conviction, even if minor. This undermines fair housing and must be changed.
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January 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Attaching racist polices to bills masquerading as "tough on drugs/crime" allowed law makers too look good while denying people of color their rights, especially to fair housing practices. Read more about the history of fair housing exemptions and the impact they carry:
Despite high demand, the whole home repair program has failed to get funded by the PA Budget.
Pennsylvania’s home repair program left out of state budget, despite high demand • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Whole Home Repair Program doesn't yet have a state-funded successor, dubbed PA Home Preservation Program, despite its popularity.
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January 15, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Despite high demand, the whole home repair program has failed to get funded by the PA Budget.
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
Attorneys are needed to provide #probono representation at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, weekly in Doylestown.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: [email protected] or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: [email protected] or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
January 13, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Attorneys are needed to provide #probono representation at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, weekly in Doylestown.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: [email protected] or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Volunteers for plaintiffs especially needed:
💚 Wed, Feb. 11 & 18, 2026
Volunteer for plaintiffs: [email protected] or 215-398-6757
Defense: Contact Bucks County Bar Assoc.
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
More of Trump retribution agenda: Proposed rule to to weaken enforcement of Fair Housing Act out tomorrow. In midst of a housing crisis. Before he was a convicted felon Trump was a Fair Housing violator.
Today, the "day early" version of a proposed HUD rule to rescind the Department's existing disparate impact regulations appeared on the Federal Register website. It will be formally published in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 30-day comment period. Here's what that all means.
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Public Inspection: Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard
Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard
www.federalregister.gov
January 14, 2026 at 12:37 AM
More of Trump retribution agenda: Proposed rule to to weaken enforcement of Fair Housing Act out tomorrow. In midst of a housing crisis. Before he was a convicted felon Trump was a Fair Housing violator.
Did you know? Next Monday is Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service.
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
Fill | Justice Fest '26
Join us for Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service. This special event brings together local musicians, advocates, families, and neighbors...
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January 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Did you know? Next Monday is Justice Fest '26, a free community music festival uplifting the spirit of justice, unity, and service.
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
📅 Date: MLK Day, January 19, 2025📍 Location: Crane Community Center 1001 Vine Street⏰ Time: 1-5 PM
Sign up today:
The DOJ will investigate Boston for "reverse racism", a spurious claim that the city allows people of color to get all of the available affordable housing. This may be in reaction to the lawsuit that Boston filed against Trump. Read more:
Trump's HUD accuses Boston of engaging in "redlining" against white people
More than 50 years ago, the Trump family faced a similar government challenge for refusing to rent to Black people.
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January 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The DOJ will investigate Boston for "reverse racism", a spurious claim that the city allows people of color to get all of the available affordable housing. This may be in reaction to the lawsuit that Boston filed against Trump. Read more:
Reposted by Regional Housing Legal Services
Get free help with discharge upgrades, Veterans Treatment Court & VA benefits!
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
January 12, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Get free help with discharge upgrades, Veterans Treatment Court & VA benefits!
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
🗓 Wed, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:30-8pm
📍PSU Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road (Main Bdg, Rm 113), Media 19063
✅Register by 1/16: 484-744-3269
Info: lasp.org/events
Home sharing isn't new, but an official program that supports the approach will only make it stronger.
Inside HomeShare Ulster County: A Community-Based Approach to Affordable Housing
HomeShare Ulster County matches residents with spare rooms to neighbors seeking affordable housing, offering connection, stability, and a community-based solution to rising rents.
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January 12, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Home sharing isn't new, but an official program that supports the approach will only make it stronger.
Single-room occupancy buildings used to be a common living model, but they fell out of favor. Now, some want to bring them back, what do you think? Will they help the housing crisis? Or will people reject such a space?
Institute For Justice Introduces First-in-Nation Single-Room Occupancy Model Legislation, “ROOM Act,” to Combat Housing Crisis in States - Institute for Justice
Arlington, Va.—Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) is announcing the publication of the ROOM Act, a new model bill to help combat the ongoing housing […]
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January 9, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Single-room occupancy buildings used to be a common living model, but they fell out of favor. Now, some want to bring them back, what do you think? Will they help the housing crisis? Or will people reject such a space?
Did you know? Esperanza operates a Community Land Trust that helps low-income Philadelphians rent affordable homes and remain in their community. Read more:
Esperanza Community Land Trust: A real alternative for affordable housing in the community
Esperanza Community Land Trust: A real alternative for affordable housing in the community
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January 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Did you know? Esperanza operates a Community Land Trust that helps low-income Philadelphians rent affordable homes and remain in their community. Read more:
The RHLS Policy Team responds to the ruling by the Commonwealth Court on the Borough of Pottstown’s rental inspection ordinance, "Rivera II". Read it on our website:
RHLS Responds to Rivera II. - RHLS Website
On December 9, 2025, the Commonwealth Court held that the Borough of Pottstown’s rental inspection ordinance violated the privacy rights of tenants guaranteed under Article I, Sec. 8 of the…
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January 7, 2026 at 5:02 PM
The RHLS Policy Team responds to the ruling by the Commonwealth Court on the Borough of Pottstown’s rental inspection ordinance, "Rivera II". Read it on our website:
Want to know more about PA's Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation program? Join us for lunch on January 7? Click on the link for more information and to register:
buff.ly/IQqRMn3
buff.ly/IQqRMn3
Web Event: Lunch & Learn: Act 129 and Utility Help for Pennsylvania Households - RHLS Website
Join us on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 12:00–12:30 PM for a brief Lunch & Learn meeting on Pennsylvania’s Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) program. What is Act… Continue reading…
rhls.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Want to know more about PA's Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation program? Join us for lunch on January 7? Click on the link for more information and to register:
buff.ly/IQqRMn3
buff.ly/IQqRMn3
Houses above a library? This trend of combining housing with commercial spaces has just had its best idea ever!
Writing a new chapter, Boston stacks homes above libraries
For many people, it sounds like a dream: Living above a library. A number of major U.S. cities are experimenting with such mixed-use buildings as a way to add affordable housing – and cultivate…
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January 5, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Houses above a library? This trend of combining housing with commercial spaces has just had its best idea ever!
#ICYMI Check out our story about Bloom Heights on our website, new housing in northeast PA:
Bloom Heights Apartments are coming soon! - RHLS Website
RHLS client Community Strategies Group (CSG) has deep ties to the Bloomsburg area and is the largest nonprofit affordable housing developer in the area. The Executive Director, Rich Kisner, once……
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January 2, 2026 at 5:03 PM
#ICYMI Check out our story about Bloom Heights on our website, new housing in northeast PA:
Santa Fe has long had a living wage ordinance, but it will update this by tying the minimum wage to housing prices, meaning workers will get a raise in 2027. What do you think? Is this a good model to follow?
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December 31, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Santa Fe has long had a living wage ordinance, but it will update this by tying the minimum wage to housing prices, meaning workers will get a raise in 2027. What do you think? Is this a good model to follow?
What can we do differently in the criminal justice system? A story from Indianapolis
The Prosecutor Who Is Housing People
In Indianapolis, a prosecutor's office treats the housing crisis as a public safety issue by connecting eligible offenders to support.
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December 30, 2025 at 5:03 PM
What can we do differently in the criminal justice system? A story from Indianapolis
#ICYMI Read about the Depaul House on our website:
Housing as Healing: Vincent’s Homes and Depaul USA team up in Philadelphia. - RHLS Website
Housing as Healing: Vincent’s Homes and Depaul USA team up in Philadelphia.
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December 29, 2025 at 5:02 PM
#ICYMI Read about the Depaul House on our website: