The Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness (PCEH) has provided HopePHL with a $50,000 grant to support them in their mission of inspiring Philadelphia’s children, youth, families, and communities to thrive.
HopePHL’s mission is to inspire Philadelphia’s children, youth, families and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being. They help to remove barriers to housing, quality education, economic growth, healthcare, safety, and justice. Their direct service programs are organized into four core pillars: Adult & Family Services, Children’s Services, Youth & Young Adult Services, and Community Development. Through these interconnected areas, HopePHL provides wraparound, family-centered support that meets people where they are to help them find stability and build brighter futures.
In addition to direct service, HopePHL engages in advocacy to influence systems and inform policy. They work to ensure that decision-makers understand the realities of homelessness and housing insecurity, resulting in expanded resources, improved policies, and increased investments that benefit the children, youth, and families they serve.
We have seen firsthand the impact of HopePHL’s work in the stories of the people they serve. After giving birth, Teyana (name changed for privacy) returned to work quickly. She took full advantage of the resources and services offered to her through HopePHL’s Arise program such as case management, behavioral health, and life skills assistance, and HopePHL’s Baring House for respite childcare. Baring House offered a safe place where her child could stay temporarily, for free, while she sought housing, permanent childcare, and adjusted to her new work schedule. Eventually, she secured a Philadelphia Housing Authority voucher for permanent housing. Teyana’s resilience and drive exemplified her dedication to providing a brighter future for her child. She even stays connected with the staff at Arise to let them know how her family is doing now.
“Teyana’s story showcases the transformative impact of programs like Arise, where youth from diverse backgrounds are supported and guided by our staff with the shared goal of building a better future.” – Leslie Haddock, Director, Youth & Young Adult Services.
Rhonda’s story is equally powerful. She arrived at HopePHL’s Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) as a senior in high school, living in a cramped, poorly conditioned home filled with family members. Tired of sharing a couch with others, she longed for a good night’s sleep and a warm meal. She had fallen far behind in school and felt frustrated, but the staff at YES encouraged her not to give up. They motivated her to attend classes regularly and work on catching up, and she followed their advice. After a few months at YES, Rhonda’s hard work paid off and she proudly graduated from high school, a significant milestone that marked a new chapter in her life. She then secured a job and excitedly reunited with her mother, eager to demonstrate to her family that they could achieve anything when they set their minds to it—even if it meant leaving familiar situations in the past to find true inner peace.
The $50,000 grant from PCEH will help HopePHL continue to change lives like Teyana’s and Rhonda’s by providing more families and young people with the housing, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.
We encourage our community to get involved and help promote HopePHL’s work. All of their events can be found at hopephl.org/events, including the upcoming Jazz & Arts Festival Pop-Ups featuring youth performers. Supporters can also contribute to their mission in several ways at hopephl.org/donate. Each year, donor support helps them to provide housing and services for 400 families, and 100 youth and young adults, educational supports to more than 1,000 children, and childcare to 200 children.
PCEH is committed to standing alongside partners like HopePHL, whose work is transforming lives and strengthening communities. Together, we are building a city where everyone has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
