The Same Day Work and Pay (SDWP) Program originated in 2019 by Mural Arts to address the dangers of panhandling by individuals experiencing economic insecurity and homelessness. The model’s success led the City of Philadelphia and other non-profit organizations to create similar work opportunities. The program provides low to no-barrier work opportunities for people experiencing economic insecurity, mental and behavioral health challenges, and/or homelessness. The initiative offers supportive resources and serves as an on-ramp to discovering pathways.  SDWP participants work a daily shift of about 3.5 hours and get paid between $50 and $100. The kind of work performed varies based on the employer partner.

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity serves as the backbone agency for the programs in alignment with its focus on racial equity and economic mobility. Barriers to employment disproportionately impact people of color, individuals experiencing housing instability, and those who were formerly incarcerated.

Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), City of Philadelphia

  • Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 per shift.
  • Work description: Community beautification and cleanup
  • Eligibility criteria: Must be at least 18 years old and reside in the Philadelphia area
  • How to apply: Visit https://forms.office.com/g/pbrzmuLnw5, or email SDWP@phila.gov, or call 215-686-1550 and leave a message with your first and last name and contact number.

Mural Arts: Color Me Back

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

  • Program details: Eligible participants receive $100 for each completed 4-hour workday.
  • Work description: Participants help clean streets and community spaces throughout Philadelphia.
  • Eligibility:
    Adult workdays are open to Philadelphia residents ages 18 and older with a valid government-issued ID.
    Youth workdays are open to Philadelphia residents ages 14–18. Youth must provide valid identification and proof of Philadelphia residency, such as working papers, a school ID, and/or a library card.
  • How to apply: Visit https://bit.ly/PHSworkphilly or email SDWP@Pennhort.org

Riverfront North Partnership:

  • Program details: Participants receive $55 for each 3-hour shift and work three days a week for up to two weeks. Shifts are Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fall season runs from September 15 to November 12, and the spring season runs from mid-March through June.
  • Work description: Participants help remove litter, beautify parks, and complete light landscaping tasks along the Port Richmond Trail and K+T Trail. Shifts begin at Pulaski Park in Port Richmond or Lardner’s Point Park in Tacony.
  • Eligibility: Participants must be at least 18 years old and live in Philadelphia.
  • How to apply: Visit org/same-day-work-pay.

Uplift Solutions:

  • Program details: Uplift’s Same Day Work Program provides short-term work and training for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, including returning citizens, veterans, and people with disabilities. Participants receive $50 per day for four hours of work or training, four days a week for four weeks. Employers may offer participants a job after the program ends.
  • Work description: Participants may help with building maintenance and cleaning, office tasks, food service, customer service, or retail operations. Tasks vary by worksite.
  • Eligibility: Participants must be at least 18 years old and live in the Philadelphia area. No ID is required to enroll. Participants must arrive on time, be ready to work the full four-hour shift, use the provided equipment, follow supervisor instructions, and treat others with respect. Substance use is not allowed before or during work. Proper clothing and footwear are recommended for safety.
  • How to apply: Contact Uplift at communications@upliftsolutions.org.

For more information related to workforce training programs and job skills training/development, follow the links below.

For assistance or inquiries about the Same Day Work and Pay Program, email at ceo.sdwp@phila.gov.