Philadelphia’s Will Power Program has achieved a remarkable milestone since its 2022 launch. The initiative has helped approximately 1,000 residents create wills and other end-of-life documents. Most participants are older Black residents earning less than $60,000 annually, Philadelphia’s median income.
The program connects low-income Philadelphians to Community Legal Services (CLS) through local community partners. Churches and neighborhood organizations help identify residents who need free estate planning services. This grassroots approach has proven incredibly effective.
Free Estate Planning Services Transform Lives in Philadelphia
Vendetta Stephens, a 72-year-old Philadelphia resident, discovered the program through her church. Before participating, she held common misconceptions about wills. “I used to say ‘Wills are for rich people. What am I going to leave?'” she explained.
The experience completely changed her perspective on estate planning. “But actually, I left something to all of them — just from that one house,” Stephens noted. Having everything documented in writing eliminates family disputes over inheritance.
Debby Freedman, the executive director of CLS, celebrated the program’s success at an October 15 event. The gathering took place inside North Philadelphia’s Zion Baptist Church. Freedman called the achievement a “gigantic accomplishment.”
How Wills Close the Racial Wealth Gap in Black Communities
The program addresses a critical issue affecting Black American families nationwide. More than 70% of Black Americans don’t have a will, according to CNBC’s 2022 report. This gap locks Black families out of effective wealth transfer strategies.
“Wills help to stabilize neighborhoods and families, build and maintain intergenerational wealth,” Freedman emphasized. The documents also “help to close the racial wealth gap in our city,” she added. Estate planning creates pathways for preserving family assets across generations.
Brickson Diamond, co-founder of the Black House Foundation, explained the devastating consequences. “So many families lose their family access and ownership of land,” he said. Without proper planning, homes fall into disrepair or leave family ownership entirely.
Philadelphia’s Tangled Title Problem Threatens Family Homes
Philadelphia faces a specific challenge known as tangled title. This legal issue makes it unclear whether relatives living in deceased family members’ homes actually own the property. Their names often don’t appear on the deed.
Tangled titles create what’s also called Heirs Property, particularly common in the South. No legally established tie exists between descendants and their inherited homes. This situation becomes expensive and complicated to resolve.
The consequences can devastate families trying to preserve generational wealth. Unclear ownership opens properties to deterioration, foreclosure, and deed theft risks. Families lose assets that should rightfully pass to future generations.
National Organizations Expand Support for Heirs Property Owners
The Center for Heirs Property tackles these issues on a national scale. The organization provides solutions-oriented support to heirs’ property owners across America. Its services help families navigate complex ownership challenges.
In June, the center launched the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative. The press release called it an “ambitious expansion bringing the organization’s vital services to more families across the South.” The website refresh accompanied this important expansion.
Since its 2005 founding, the center has achieved impressive results. It has provided 5,842 clients with free legal advice and counsel. Additionally, it cleared 412 titles with a combined tax-assessed value of $30.1 million.
Building Wealth Through Education and Legal Support
The Center for Heirs Property offers more than just legal services. It has provided education and technical assistance to over 650 families. These families collectively own and manage 40,000 acres of land.
The organization also secured $11 million for support partners across five states. Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia all benefit from this funding. These resources help more families protect their property rights.
Philadelphia’s Will Power Program follows a similar model of comprehensive support. By removing financial barriers to estate planning, it empowers families to take control. Proper documentation ensures assets remain within families for generations.
Breaking Down Barriers to Estate Planning Access
The Will Power Program demonstrates that wills aren’t just for wealthy people. Every homeowner has something valuable to pass down to loved ones. A single house represents significant wealth worth protecting.
Community partnerships make the program accessible to those who need it most. Local organizations understand their neighborhoods and identify families at risk. This targeted approach maximizes the program’s impact.
Free legal services eliminate the biggest barrier to estate planning: cost. Many low-income families simply can’t afford attorney fees for will preparation. Programs like Will Power level the playing field for wealth preservation.
The Path Forward for Generational Wealth Transfer
Philadelphia’s success story offers a blueprint for other cities. More than 1,000 families now have proper estate planning documents in place. These wills protect homes, savings, and other assets from uncertain futures.
The program continues expanding its reach throughout the city. Each new will represents another family securing their legacy for future generations. Community Legal Services remains committed to serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents.
Estate planning is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Programs like Will Power prove that everyone deserves access to wealth-building tools. Proper documentation today means financial security for families tomorrow.
