The PPEHRC was spearheaded by the now defunct affordable housing advocacy organization Kensington Welfare Rights Union (KWRU). In June 1998 KWRU organized the New Freedom Bus Tour, a national bus tour to bring awareness to the issues of poverty and economic human rights. During the tour KWRU made contact with many groups and organizations from across the country that were interested in working to gain and ensure economic human rights for all people.
The PPEHRC was initiated by the Kensington Welfare Rights Union (KWRU), a former organization focused on affordable housing advocacy. In June 1998, KWRU organized a national bus tour called "New Freedom" to raise awareness about poverty and economic human rights. During this tour, KWRU connected with various groups across the country who were interested in working towards ensuring everyone has access to economic rights.