Every other week, we update you on progress made across Philadelphia’s homeless services system, including personal testimonials and success stories, how we’re putting our strategic plan Roadmap to Homes into action, and how Philly continues to be one of the most progressive, successful homeless services system in the country.
Read below and share the good news!
KYW Newsradio: Philly same-day pay program doubles job numbers
Our new same-day pay program isn’t just about getting cash for work the same day. It’s also about connecting to vital services like behavioral health supports, housing, ID services, and other services that provide an on-ramp to long-term stability and workforce development.
In one recent survey, 71 percent of people experiencing homelessness said that increasing their income would get them off the street.
There’s now a crew that works with CLIP, the City agency in charge of vacant lot cleanups and graffiti removal.
“It’s a win-win situation,” CLIP director Tom Conway told KYW. “We give them something to do, they get a couple dollars and then also we clean up the city of Philadelphia.”
Then, we connect them to those services, too! Read the KYW report!
Philadelphia Inquirer: Inside the North Philly basketball league for homeless men
Our amazing providers and colleagues at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities made the front page of the Inquirer sports section recently with a profile of the Hoops for Hope basketball league.
“To play in this league is a pleasure. It keeps me out of trouble. It keeps me positive. It keeps me in shape. It helps me to realize who I really am.” Check out the Inquirer story!
NBC10: Clean street program hires homeless Philadelphians
Our same-day pay pilot program got attention from NBC10 recently during their after school and work broadcast. Same-day pay that has connections to services including long-term workforce development is a key part of our work.
“This program has helped me. It’s occupied my time so now I’m not doing a lot of negative things, I’m doing positive things in my life.” Watch the NBC10 video!
Success Stories: Lived Experience Commission talks to the HUD Committee
Equity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords. At OHS, we put them into practice.
Our board includes people who have experienced homelessness. We count on their input on policies, programs, and funding. In fact, recently, the Lived Experience Commission met and talked with the HUD Committee, which looks at how to make the strongest possible case for federal funding to come to the City.
While this kind of work with government grants can be pretty dense and dry, it adds up to serious to money to help people resolve their homelessness. And those with lived experience are a crucial voice in that decision making process.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter and read our strategic plan to learn more about our community engagement!
