About Us!
Our History
Members of the HERE 4 Climate Justice coalition first began meeting together in early 2020, brought together by a shared understanding that achieving housing justice in Philadelphia (for both homeowners and renters) was essential to addressing multiple crises at the same time: public health, climate, and displacement/gentrification.
The organizations within our coalition believe that everyone can and should have access to reliable, affordable, clean energy and safe, healthy homes that are maintained at a comfortable temperature year-round. We believe that such energy can and should be generated from renewable sources that reduce the damage currently being enacted on frontline communities and the planet.
Housing justice is climate justice because safe, habitable, stable homes are necessary to weather the impacts of climate change, including increasingly volatile temperatures and more severe storms. Climate justice is housing justice because the work of fighting climate change must include ensuring that housing and utilities are affordable and sustainable, supporting the health of both residents and the planet.
Our coalition is always looking to grow! We hope that you will join us in this effort!
If you want to learn more about how your organization can participate, please reach out to us! We also want to know about the work that you are doing and how we can potentially support it! Contact us at here4climatejustice@gmail.com.
When We Meet
The HERE 4 Climate Justice coalition meets virtually on the fourth Monday of each month from 12-1:30 PM. There are also three standing committees, as well as a steering committee, which convene monthly at different times. To receive the Zoom invitation to attend our monthly full coalition meeting, or inquire about joining the coalition, email us at here4climatejustice@gmail.com.
Throughout the year, there are also plenty of specific events and actions (like our Summer Cooldown gathering/celebration in Hunting Park this past July) that you can get plugged into.
Our Structure
The HERE 4 Climate Justice coalition has three primary governing bodies that move the work we are doing forward. These are: the Steering Committee; the standing Committees; and the Full Coalition.
Currently, our three existing standing committees are: Research & Policy; Communications & Organizing; and Coalition Development. In addition, several dedicated staff members (currently from Green Building United and Sierra Club) perform ongoing tasks of administration, documentation, and logistics.
Our coalition is committed to participatory processes and works to operate by consensus decision-making whenever possible.
Our Coalition
