Philadelphia City Council on Oct. 30 adopted a privileged resolution recognizing November 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau and co-introduced by Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Jeffrey J. Young, was placed on and adopted from the final-passage calendar by voice vote.

During the public-comment period several nonprofit leaders urged council and city officials to respond quickly to rising need. Pam Rainey Lawler, founder and board member of Philabundance, said the organization has been responding for 40 years and that the need is greater now, especially because SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were being withheld at the federal level in recent days. Nancy Rimmer, legal and advocacy director at the Homeless Advocacy Project, described legal clinic work in shelters and said the organization supports the resolution and is seeing growing housing and food insecurity. Lisonbee Houghton, representing Bethesda Project, said Bethesda served more than 1,200 Philadelphians last year and thanked council for the resolution and continued partnership.

Why it matters: The resolution formalizes councils recognition of a heightened period of advocacy and outreach for people experiencing hunger and homelessness. Speakers emphasized that federal program disruptions (SNAP benefit pauses) are already driving increased demand to local food banks and shelters and urged city and state officials to consider emergency measures.

What council did: Councilmember Rue Landau introduced the privileged resolution on the floor; it was placed on the final-passage calendar and adopted by voice vote. Multiple agencies and nonprofits were called out in public comment and in the resolution text.

Voices from the hearing

- Pam Rainey Lawler (Philabundance): urged action, warned that SNAP interruptions are worsening hunger and that food banks and pantries need donations and support.

- Nancy Rimmer (Homeless Advocacy Project): described HAPs legal clinics at shelters and highlighted the rising risk to clients who face both housing insecurity and potential loss of food assistance.

- Lisonbee Houghton (Bethesda Project): outlined Bethesda Projects work across 11 sites and said the organization would continue partnering with council on response and prevention efforts.

Next steps: The resolution is nonbinding; it directs attention and advocacy. Speakers called on the mayor and governor to explore emergency measures and to coordinate with nonprofits and city departments to address immediate food and shelter needs.