Disputes Resolution Program - Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
The Disputes Resolution Program (DRP) of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations provides mediation, conciliation, counseling and referral services to persons in conflict with other persons with whom they have an ongoing relationship.
Generally, these persons are neighbors, although some cases have involved street vendors, businesses, co-workers or members of fraternal organizations.
The DRP’s techniques are based on the principal of minimal intervention. The PCHR does not provide solutions to conflicts and does not solve problems for people. Rather, people are provided with skills and abilities to resolve conflicts on their own, and the tools they need to make those skills work.
The process is simple and straightforward. After the pre-screening interview, the case is reviewed by the DRP director and assigned to an appropriate staff person. Staff then contacts the complainant, and a detailed interview is conducted.
The circumstances surrounding the conflict are carefully reviewed and a determination is made as to what form of intervention the DRP should provide. Sometimes, simply reviewing the conflict with the complainant helps to put it in the sort of perspective that allows the complainant to resolve the matter alone.
More frequently, both staff and the complainant agree that the other party (the respondent) should be contacted. A letter is sent to the respondent asking that they contact staff. While the DRP relies on the voluntary cooperation of all parties, it is very unusual that there is no response.
Most of the time, the respondent recognizes the need to solve a conflict, which is familiar to all parties.
Respondents and complainants are considered equally our clients. The discussions with the respondent have the same purpose as the discussions with the complainant – to see how the parties, as much on their own as possible, can resolve the dispute.
Sometimes it is necessary for the parties to sit together to work out an agreement. The DRP then provides a formal mediation conducted by an experienced staff mediator. The mediator assists the parties by identifying the nature of the conflict and developing a written, legally binding agreement, which describes their future relationship.
All involvements with the DRP are strictly confidential.
More About PCHR
The PCHR enforces the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance and deals with all matters of inter-group conflict within the city. The Ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, use of public accommodations and the provision of City services on the bases of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40 (in employment), sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or gender identity. Age is not covered in public accommodations. Additional bases in housing are the presence of children and source of income. Any age and physical disability (mental disability not covered) are also covered in housing. The Ordinance also prohibited retaliation against someone for filing a compliant with the PCHR.
Community Relations Division (CRD) staff of the PCHR uses a variety of approaches to encourage people of all backgrounds to cooperatively coexist with one another irrespective of group identity. Clients are provided with assessment, conciliation, and follow-up services during a crisis. The CRD empowers communities by building coalitions that would work together in solving common problems or concerns. This is achieved by working in cooperation with the police, business, community and religious leaders, and other government and private agencies. In addition, the PCHR is responsible for receiving and reviewing applications of same-sex couples that wish to register their relationship.
The PFHC enforces the Philadelphia Fair Housing Ordinance that addresses unfair rental practices in the city. A tenant may file a complaint with the PFHC: 1) if he or she is being threatened with illegal eviction. Rent must be current; 2) if a landlord is raising rent in the face of housing code violations; 3) if another term of a lease is being violated; or, 4) to stop a landlord from retaliating against a tenant for reporting housing code violations to the Department of Licenses and Inspections; or 5) in retaliation for filing a complaint with the PFHC.
The PCHR is located at The Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 300 South, Philadelphia, PA 19106. The telephone number is 215-686-4670 and TTY number is 215-686-3238. Persons may send a general inquiry to either the PCHR or PFHC by sending an e-mail to
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The PCHR also has a North Philadelphia Field Office that is located at 601 W. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133. The telephone number is 215-685-9761 and fax number is 215-685-9768.
To submit your conflict resolution question to PhillyHealthInfo.org, go here.