The City of Philadelphia has launched a new program to help families of homicide victims cover funeral costs, city officials announced Wednesday.
The Homicide Victim Funeral Assistance program, administered by the City’s Office of Public Safety Office of the Victim Advocate, provides up to $2,000 per burial or interment. Funds are paid directly to vendors or service providers, easing the financial burden on families during a difficult time.
"Too often, the enormous cost of a funeral comes at the worst possible moment, when families are already facing emotional and structural challenges and need to lay a loved one to rest with dignity," said Mayor Cherelle Parker. "This program is a compassionate and thoughtful step forward in the City’s commitment to support those impacted by violence."
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said the program ensures that all families, regardless of income, can honor their loved ones. “When a loved one is taken by violence in Philadelphia, no family should have to worry about how they will afford to lay them to rest with dignity and respect,” he said.
The City has allocated $600,000 annually for the program. Combined with Pennsylvania state assistance through the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, families can apply for up to $8,500 in total aid between city and state funding.
Victim advocate Darlene Wilson-Bennett, who lost her son to gun violence, described the program as a lifeline for families navigating costly arrangements during grief.
“Losing my son Justin to gun violence shattered my very existence. Being forced to navigate costly arrangements without any assistance added a weight that nearly broke me—emotionally, financially, and spiritually," Wilson-Bennett said.
The program is designed to minimize additional trauma. Families do not need to manage paperwork for payment directly if they cannot; referrals can be submitted by funeral vendors, stakeholder partners, or community members. Applications are reviewed within 48 hours, and approved payments go directly to service providers.
Eligibility requires the death to be ruled a homicide by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office (preclusions include death by suicide, accident, or overdose), occur within city limits, and happen after the program’s official launch. Cases deemed suspicious will be considered individually.
Families or community members seeking assistance can contact the Office of the Victim Advocate at 215-686-2115 or OVAfuneralfund@phila.gov.
