Division of Housing and Community Development – Philadelphia, PA

Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Institution Overview

The Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) serves as the City of Philadelphia’s primary agency for housing policy, strategic planning, and community investment. Operating under the Department of Planning and Development, the DHCD is responsible for administering federal and state grants, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Its mission is to fund and oversee programs that promote neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing production, and the preservation of historic homes throughout the city 🏗️.

Key Programs and Services

The DHCD does not typically provide direct construction services but rather contracts with non-profit organizations and developers to execute projects. Key initiatives managed or funded by this division include:

• Affordable Housing Production: Financing the construction of new low-to-moderate-income rental and homeownership units (e.g., Turn the Key program).
• Home Repair and Preservation: Overseeing funding for programs like the Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) and Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP).
• Foreclosure Prevention: Supporting housing counseling agencies that assist residents facing mortgage or tax foreclosure.
• Vacant Land Management: Collaborating with the Philadelphia Land Bank to repurpose vacant properties for community benefit.
• Neighborhood Advisory Committees (NACs): Funding local community groups to engage residents in service delivery and planning.

Visitor and Administrative Information

The DHCD headquarters is located on the 17th Floor of 1234 Market Street (the SEPTA Headquarters building). This is primarily an administrative office. While staff are available to provide information, most direct services—such as applying for home repairs or housing counseling—are best accessed through the network of DHCD-funded Neighborhood Energy Centers or counseling agencies. Visitors to the administrative office must undergo security screening in the building lobby and present valid photo identification to access the elevators.