RESOLUTION

Urging the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings in support of Senate Bill No. 167 establishes a pilot program to assist target families in intergenerational dwelling units.

WHEREAS, House Bill 167 would aid older citizens that have taken on the added responsibility of raising grandchildren or other children whose own parents are no longer willing or able to care for them; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2000 Census, there are over 64,000 children being raised by a relative caregiver in the city of Philadelphia alone; and

WHEREAS, older caregivers face numerous emotional, physical, and financial challenges; and

WHEREAS, the lack of resources available to older caregivers undermine their ability to provide a child a healthy and prosperous environment; and

WHEREAS, state funding would enable older caregivers the financial means to care for and nurture the child, as well as improve the living conditions in intergenerational dwelling units; and

WHEREAS, day- care assistance for heads of house holds who are working allow children to remain in a safe environment when the caregiver is unavailable; and

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council urges the members of the General Assembly to enact House Bill No. 118 and commends State Representative James Roebuck and all of the Representatives who have co-sponsored this bill and taken a leadership role in this matter.