Mission
To provide affordable, permanent, independent housing to low-income persons with behavioral issues.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- 1260 HDC and its subsidiary, Columbus Property Management, purchase and rehabilitate buildings, develop new construction, and lease units.
- Behavioral Health Special Initiative (BHSI) program provides assessments, referrals, and funding support for persons with substance abuse problems and who access licensed treatment programs.
- The Office of Addiction Services Case Management Unit provides support services to Philadelphia residents who are Health Choices eligible; funded by Community Behavioral Health (CBH) seeking self-sufficiency and recovery from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders through providing ongoing support and ancillary services such as engagement, evaluation of the client's strengths and needs, service planning and goal setting, linking, monitoring, advocacy, and coaching.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
1260 Housing Development Corporation
2042 Arch Street
Floor 2
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 557-8484
Fax: (215)557-8449
Website: http://www.pmhcc.org/PMHCC/Home.nsf/ALL/Housing 
Mission
To permanently break the cycle of poverty for single parent, low-income, formerly homeless families through education, supportive services, community and economic development, housing, and accountability.
Year of Origin
1981
Core Programs
- Housing Development and Property Management: Develops and rehabilitates housing units from vacant lots and abandoned homes that are located close to the services and the resources needed by its client families. AchieveAbility manages the units for families in the program. In addition to developing homes for rent, AchieveAbility also develops homes for sale.
- Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Helps participants develop new skills to improve the quality of their lives and reach lasting self-sufficiency. The program focuses on education, employment, parenting, personal development, finances, physical and mental health, home management, child care, and recovery from substance abuse. All participants work at least 25 hours per week and take at least 15 credits a year toward a post-secondary degree or vocational program.
- Operates HomeComing Realty LLC, a real estate office that serves AchieveAbility families, as well as the community at large. A homebuyer's club offered through this office works to teach participants about the home-buying process, shopping for a home, repairing or building their credit, budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, qualifying for a mortgage, closing, and life as a homeowner (including financial management, seasonal inspections, conservation measures, repairs and maintenance, and preventing foreclosure).
Service Area
West Philadelphia
Contact Information
AchieveAbility
21 South 61st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 748-8750
Fax: (215) 748-6969
E-mail: info@achieve-ability.org 
Website: http://www.achieve-ability.org/
Mission
To provide and sustain affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, through housing counseling, consumer education, credit counseling, housing rehabilitation, mortgage lending reform, home equity and personal credit, fair housing education, advocacy and product innovation.
Year of Origin
1987
Core Programs
- Provides one-on-one mortgage loan counseling and first-time homebuyer classes, and helps clients obtain affordable mortgages through their unique lending partnerships.
- Homebuyer's Program: a HUD-certified loan counseling program for low- to moderate-income homebuyers. They provide access to mortgage programs with lower interest rates, lower down payments, flexible underwriting guidelines, and lower origination fees.
- Debt and Credit Management: provides information and credit counseling to manage an individual's credit and debt.
- Home Equity Loss Prevention Program (HELP): housing counselors provide services to intervene on a person's behalf with his or her lender in order to come to a resolution that will ultimately bring his or her loan current. They also provide a foreclosure hotline (888-409-3557).
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
ACORN Housing Corporation
846 N. Broad Street
1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 765-1221
Fax: (215) 765-0045
Website: http://www.acornhousing.org/index.php
Mission
To keep Philadelphia's youth safe and active by facilitating supervised enrichment activities in the dangerous after-school hours.
Year of Origin
2002
Core Programs
- Maintains a citywide directory of after-school enrichment and recreation programs, featuring more than 1,000 entries, which is published each fall in the Philadelphia Daily News.
- Organized initiatives in the areas of chess, Scrabble, debate, and dance.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
After School Activities Partnerships
1520 Locust Street
Suite 1104
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 545-2727
Fax: (215) 545-3054
Website: http://www.phillyasap.org/
Mission
To improve the quality of life in the North Philadelphia Allegheny West neighborhood
Year of Origin
1968
Core Programs
- Affordable Housing: Dedicated to revitalizing and strengthening the community's infrastructure through the development of affordable housing.
- Economic Development: Work to build the economic base of the neighborhood through the development of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, improvement of public transportation, creation of an actively involved community and employment opportunities, and physical improvements of buildings and streets.
- Education: Offers a variety of educational programs, often in conjunction with other community partners.
- Youth Development Programs: Offer programs, including a youth council and a youth committee.
- Community Resources Center: Offers a range of services and programs for local youth and adults, including computer training and job training and skills development programs, which include sessions on resume writing and job interview and readiness skills.
Service Area
North Philadelphia Allegheny West neighborhood
Contact Information
Allegheny West Foundation
3413 Fox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: (215) 221-8830
Fax: (215) 221-5933
Website: http://www.awest.org/index.php
Mission
ABH focuses on strengthening existing communities using infill and other development methods, and uses designs that fit in with the historic areas in which it builds and renovates homes.
Year of Origin
1994
Core Programs
- Affordable Rental Housing: Builds and manages affordable rental housing for farm workers and other low-income families. It also renovates existing homes that are in severe disrepair.
- Homeownership Services: Provides farm workers and other low-income families with homeownership counseling, loan packaging services, and rental referrals. The organization has helped families become first-time homeowners, providing credit, homeownership counseling, and low-interest loans.
- Strategic Design: Employs traditional neighborhood design principles to foster community. This means that new homes look like older homes and are planned around people, incorporating alleys, sidewalks, porches, and garages.
- ABH also concentrates on the adaptive re-use of existing properties. This strategy is a necessity in this rapidly growing and gentrifying area.
Service Area
Chester County, PA
Contact Information
Alliance for Better Housing
648 Buena Vista Drive
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: (610) 925-1880
Fax: (610) 925-1884
E-mail: smcortigine.abh@comcast.net
Website: http://www.ruralisc.org/abh.htm
Mission
To promote the welfare of Puerto Ricans/Latinos and low-income and disadvantaged residents of the greater Philadelphia area. The association provides services that improve the quality of family and community life. It seeks to create new opportunities for the community in education, health, employment, business development, housing, and the welfare of children and families. The association joins other Hispanic and non-Hispanic organizations to work toward developing better understanding and tolerance among all residents of the community.
Year of Origin
1971
Core Programs
- Health Services Programs: Offers residents of North Philadelphia a full spectrum of bilingual and culturally sensitive physical and behavioral health services, from family medicine, to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, the monitoring of elder health and medication protocols, and counseling for young families on how to develop healthy lifestyles.
- Human Services Programs: Offers programs that provide educational opportunities to neighborhood children.
- Community and Economic Development: Rebuilds neighborhoods and provides housing opportunities for low-income households and provides social services to the residents that it houses. They also provide bilingual housing counseling to help families and individuals navigate the pre- and post-purchase process.
- Property Management: APM Property Management manages affordable housing which includes town homes and rental housing.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia area
Contact Information
Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc.
4301 Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (267) 296-7200
Fax: (215) 455-6501
E-mail: Info@apmphila.org
Website: http://www.apmphila.org/index.html
Mission
To spearhead the revitalization of the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood, a 26-square block area in north-central Philadelphia. This is done by bringing about the empowerment of residents by promoting homeownership and rental opportunities through rehabilitation and new construction, education, job placement, economic development, human services, and the beautification of open space areas.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Completed and/or collaborated with other groups in funding and implementing various projects within the neighborhood.
- Beech Community Services (BCS): Acts as a liaison between the community residents and business owners within the Cecil B. Moore community, which will help strengthen and sustain a healthy community while enhancing the lives of the residents through effective action.
- Beech Business Bank: Makes loans to for-profit organizations, nonprofits, and community development corporations with a primary focus on economically distressed areas in North, West, and Northwest Philadelphia and encourages participation by banks and venture capitalists in the financing of businesses and community development corporations.
- Alston Beech Foundation: Provides small program grants to area nonprofit organizations whose mission is compatible with that of the foundation.
Service Area
Cecil B. Moore neighborhood, a 26-block area in North Philadelphia
Contact Information
Beech Interplex, Inc.
1510 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: (215) 763-8824
E-mail: info@beechinterplex.com
Website: http://www.beechinterplex.com
Mission
To provide affordable housing opportunities throughout Bucks County to lower-income elderly residents and low- to moderate-income families and to facilitate these residents' access to necessary social service supports.
Year of Origin
1969
Core Programs
- Developed apartment complexes for elderly along with housing projects in different areas such as Bensalem and Perkasie. The organization plans to develop more resident facilities and a new corporate headquarters.
- Works to develop and effectively manage affordable housing for lower-income elderly and low- to moderate-income families.
- Monitors housing trends and provides training to staff and residents regarding such topics as low-income ownership, services, changes in existing statutes, and new approaches to affordable housing.
- Develops and maintains the financial capacity to provide and support affordable housing activities.
Service Area
Bucks County, PA
Contact Information
Bucks County Housing Development Corporation
9187 New Falls Road
Suite 203-L
Fallsington, PA 19054
Phone: (215) 295-1443
Fax: (215) 295-5502
Website: http://www.buckshousing.org/
Mission
To help low-income people in Bucks County achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency
Year of Origin
1965
Core Programs
- Self-Sufficiency: Empower motivated, hard-working people with the education, training, resources, and skills necessary to achieve and maintain permanent economic self-sufficiency.
- Emergency and Preventative Assistance: Helps low-income individuals and families achieve and maintain their independence.
- Financial Education and Asset Development: Helps low- and moderate-income people develop and acquire knowledge and financial resources to prevent and overcome crisis.
- Weatherization: A home energy conservation service for low-income homeowners and renters.
- Free Tax Preparation: Service for low- and moderate-income people.
- Food Assistance: Provides food to low-income individuals and families.
Service Area
Bucks County, PA
Contact Information
Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc.
100 Doyle Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 345-8175
Fax: (215) 345-8573
Website: http://www.bcoc.org/
Mission
To serve the most fragile persons with AIDS and to support the self-empowerment of each person to live as fully as their situation permits.
Year of Origin
1987
Core Programs
- Provides supportive housing with services responsive to the individual: those who are dying, those who are able to rebuild their lives and move on to independence, and those who will continue to require the assistance of supportive housing.
- Has two highly supportive AIDS residential facilities providing housing (private rooms) and highly skilled care to men and women who are seriously ill and/or dying of AIDS.
- Has apartments for adults with AIDS who are able to live independently but require financial support through rental assistance to do so.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Calcutta House, Inc.
1601 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 684-0480
Website: http://www.calcuttahouse.org/
Mission
To foster collaboration among all persons living and working in the Cedar Park neighborhood, to promote community development, to provide a forum for communication and community education, to respond to neighborhood concerns, and to advocate for and promote the general welfare of the Cedar Park community.
Year of Origin
1960
Core Programs
- Work with city and state officials to help bring city services and resources to the Cedar Park neighborhood, support neighborhood improvement and business and community promotion and development, represent residents' interests before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the state Liquor Control Board, and in other public hearing forums.
- Provide programs and services to encourage community involvement such as household and business memberships to CPN, various committees that perform certain tasks and ongoing activities for the community, a recycling program, sponsor neighborhood cleanups, tire roundup, and distribution of holiday baskets to needy families.
Service Area
Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia
Contact Information
Cedar Park Neighbors
c/o Calvary Community Center
4740 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Phone: (267) 531-4147
E-mail: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org
Website: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/
Mission
To foster community and economic development in the Latino community through collaboration and collective action
Year of Origin
1989
Core Programs
- Capacity Building: Provides technical assistance for members of the coalition in the following areas: research, training of staff, navigating government regulations, filing reports, finding and connecting with consultants, organizing and publicizing events, developing projects, planning, and securing financial and in-kind resources.
- Asset Building: Offers member organizations a coordinated approach to housing counseling, and works with the United Way's Home Savings Plus program where members can now offer their clients an easy to administer individual development account (IDA) program
- Short-Term Financing: Provides access to a low-cost and reliable source of short-term bridge financing
- Advocacy: Brings members and other community-based organizations together to advocate on behalf of the Latino community before public and private institutions.
- Campaign for Working Families: Coordinates the activities of the campaign in the Latino community, which is a partnership that promotes free filing of taxes and of the earned income tax credit and connects area residents to other tax credits, public benefits, and asset-building resources.
Service Area
Eastern North Philadelphia
Contact Information
Ceiba, Inc.
149 W. Susquehanna Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19122
Phone: (215) 634-7245
Fax: (215) 634-7265
Website: http://www.ceibaphiladelphia.org/Home.html
Mission
To improve the central Germantown area socially and physically through economic development
Year of Origin
1981
Core Programs
- Focus on the production of a strategic revitalization plan for central Germantown and an organizational plan for CGC.
- Germantown Avenue Street Scape: This initiative is a collaboration with city, state, and federal funds that added pedestrian lighting, replaced sidewalks and curbs, and added trees.
- People's Festival in Vernon Park: CGC is providing technical support, clerical/administrative support, meeting space, and referrals to funding sources.
- Provides technical assistance to businesses, developers, and community organizations and institutions. Contacts varied from inquires for relocations into Germantown, zoning concerns, new store openings and closings, property searches, meetings, and small business grant request.
Service Area
Central Germantown area
Contact Information
Central Germantown Council
5800 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: (215) 849-5800
Fax: (215) 849-8147
E-mail: cgcweb@covad.net
Website: http://www.centralgermantowncouncil.com/
Mission
Centro Pedro Claver believes fundamental issues, including those relating to urban environment development, are basic but important quality-of-life issues.
Year of Origin
1978
Core Programs
- Youth Initiatives: Provides a youth summer program with an employment, academic, and art experience with neighborhood issue assessment.
- Housing and Environment: Offers a comprehensive housing program that promotes homeownership while advocating for fair housing opportunities and an urban environment development program, including lot and street cleaning projects.
- Inmate Support: Offers the Philadelphia Prison Reentry Program, which works to keep ex-offenders from returning to prison
- Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Centro Pedro Claver
627 W. Erie Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (215) 227-7111
Fax: (215) 227-1705
Website: http://www.centroclaver.com/
Mission
To assist families and individuals to move toward economic self-sufficiency and reduce their dependence on public support through innovative approaches to programs
Year of Origin
1979
Core Programs
- Case Management: Assesses client problems and develops a case management plan that will assist the client in reaching the goal of self-sufficiency. Services can include budget counseling, life skills training, parenting services, and nutrition counseling.
- Continuum of Housing Services: Established a continuum of housing services that include emergency shelter, transitional housing, and housing for rent.
- Support Services: Provides a variety of direct services to alleviate an immediate crisis and to support individuals/families, which include rental assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, transportation assistance, Family Savings Account program, and a donations warehouse.
- Children/Teen Services: Offers programs to assist with the growth and development of youth of all ages.
- Workforce Development: Offers programs designed to assist economically disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to establish economic self-sufficiency.
- Delaware County Construction Company: A private construction company that is fully licensed and insured to provide both commercial and residential construction services, specializing in ADA modifications/retrofits.
- Energy Conservation: Provides comprehensive services and information designed to increase household efficiency, reduce energy costs, and conserve energy.
Service Area
Delaware County, PA
Contact Information
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
Toal Building
2nd and Orange Streets
Media, PA
Phone: (610) 891-5101
E-mail: Info@caadc.org
Website: http://www.caadc.org/
Mission
The Community Design Collaborative is a volunteer-based community design center that provides pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofit organizations.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Provides grants of pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofits.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Community Design Collaborative
1216 Arch Street
First Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 587-9290
E-mail: info@cdesignc.org
Website: http://www.cdesignc.org/
Mission
The mission of CHS is to provide permanent solutions to housing and related problems faced by the homeless, near homeless, victims of domestic violence, and other housing-related issues faced by low- and moderate-income people.
Year of Origin
1983
Core Programs
- Crisis Intervention: Focuses on the prevention of homelessness, hunger, loss of vital services, and other conditions that threaten the well being of individuals and families.
- Domestic Violence: Helps the participating families obtain affordable long-term housing and become financially independent.
- Food Cupboard: Provides food for those in need.
- Housing for the Homeless: Provides transitional housing and supportive services to help homeless and near homeless single men become more productive members of society. Participants in this program receive counseling services and assistance with obtaining gainful employment and affordable long-term housing.
- Offers a holiday sharing program.
Service Area
Montgomery County, PA
Contact Information
Community Housing Services
311 North Broad Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: (215) 362-5250
Fax: (215) 362-5376
E-mail: chs@communityhs.org
Website: http://www.communityhs.org/
Mission
To help low-income Philadelphia residents obtain equal access to justice by providing them with advice and representation in civil legal matters; advocating for their legal rights; and conducting community education about the legal issues that affect them
Year of Origin
1966
Core Programs
- Provides high-quality legal assistance to low-income Philadelphians who cannot afford legal counsel.
- Houses nine different legal units: Community Economic Development, including the Childcare Law Project; Consumer Law; Elderly Law; Employment; Energy; Family Advocacy; Housing; Language Access; and Public Benefits, including the Advocating on Behalf of Children project (ABC).
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Community Legal Services
Center City Office
1424 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2505
Phone: (215) 981-3700
Website: http://www.clsphila.org/
Mission
To enter into joint venture redevelopment efforts with neighborhood organizations
Year of Origin
1987
Core Programs
- Works with its neighborhood-based partners over a period of several years, planning and building a critical mass of housing to stabilize and improve the local community.
- Rehabilitates and constructs housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Community Ventures
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1403
Phone: (215) 564-6004
Website: http://www.community-ventures.org/
Mission
To strengthen Latino communities through social, economic, education, and health services; leadership development; and advocacy
Year of Origin
1977
Core Programs
- Children and Youth Services: Works to strengthen children, young adults, and families through integrated services and opportunities for community and self-development.
- Workforce Development Services: Helps families achieve stability through quality education, training, and job retention services resulting in achievement of educational goals, career advancement, and earning a family-sustaining wage.
- Neighborhood and Family Development Services: Provides a continuum of proactive and holistic human services that promote family stability and include housing counseling, financial literacy, and family support services.
- Health Promotion and Wellness Services: Helps community residents become healthy and self-sufficient, improve their leadership skills, and give them a safe and supportive setting in which to express themselves freely.
Service Area
Eastern North Philadelphia
Contact Information
Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc.
216 West Somerset Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 763-8870
Website: http://www.congreso.net/home.php
Mission
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley positively impacts human lives and communities through comprehensive consumer credit education, counseling, asset building, and debt reduction programs without regard to economic status.
Year of Origin
1966
Core Programs
- Provide counseling and education programs to meet the diverse and increasingly complex financial needs of their clients and the communities in which they live.
- Work with clients to analyze, understand, and get control of their personal finances and connect them to a multitude of additional programs and services, such as LIHEAP, Energy Saving Tips, free tax preparation, food assistance, etc.
- Provides financial education on a variety of topics, including, budgeting, credit, money management, basic banking services, housing, anti-predatory lending, identity theft, and savings.
Service Area
Greater Delaware Valley
Contact Information
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley, Inc.
1608 Walnut Street
10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 563-5665 or (800) 989-CCCSDV
Fax: (215) 563-7020
E-mail: info@cccsdv.org
Website: http://www.cccsdv.org/
Mission
To help eliminate poverty housing by building simple, safe, decent, affordable, owner-occupied housing, for and in partnership with low- and very low-income families.
Year of Origin
1984
Core Programs
- Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build future Habitat houses.
Service Area
Delaware Valley
Contact Information
Delaware Valley Habitat for Humanity
100 South Broad Street
Suite 1331
Philadelphia, PA 19110-1028
Phone: (215) 564-2101
Website: http://www.dvhabitat.org/index.html
Mission
To grow business value through consulting services, talent development, and corporate finance/growth capital. Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center believes growing business value improves the standard of living and quality of life for those who live and/or work in the region.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Business and Operational Services: Helps small and medium-size manufacturers compete and grow by providing product or service offerings in all areas of business.
- Education and Training: Offers training solutions for all areas of the manufacturing business because continuous improvement and optimized productivity are key issues for all manufacturers.
- Networking Groups and Special Partnership Resources: Offers valuable information through networking and other organizations.
Service Area
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Montgomery counties, PA
Contact Information
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center
2905 Southampton Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: (215) 464-8550
Fax: (215) 464-8570
E-mail: info@dvirc.org
Website: http://www.dvirc.org/
Mission
Dignity Housing is a nonprofit established by formerly homeless people to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty confronting low-income and homeless families and individuals in Philadelphia. Dignity Housing promotes self-sufficiency by providing affordable rental housing with individualized social services, homeownership opportunities, assistance in pursuit of education objectives, workforce development, and financial management assistance.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Affordable Housing: Provides transitional housing through several different programs.
- Supportive Services: Offers various services to improve the lives of its tenants, including life skills development in areas such as money management and homeownership preparation, counseling services, support groups, job readiness and employment services, internship opportunities, a scholarship fund, and family activities.
- Youth Services: Developed the Paths Toward the Future (PATHS) youth program to help formerly homeless children overcome educational, social, and emotional obstacles. The program includes: an after-school program, summer enrichment program, Dignity drumline, family-to-family group and family counseling, summer internships, scholarship opportunities, a youth forum, family activities, and cultural workshops, trips and activities.
- Policy and Advocacy: Promotes responsive policies at the local, state, and federal level for affordable and decent housing, jobs at livable wage, education opportunities, and health and child care for low-income individuals and families.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Dignity Housing
5221 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: (215) 713-0960
Fax: (215) 713-0968
Website: http://www.dignityhousing.org/
Mission
To enable children and families to realize their fullest potential and achieve self-reliance in safe neighborhoods.
Year of Origin
1970 (Incorporated)
Core Programs
- Early Childhood Education: Nationally accredited early childhood education centers.
- Children and Youth Services: Provide supervised after-school enrichment programs, specialized counseling services, day treatment for adjudicated youth truancy prevention/outreach, GED/career advising for teen drop-outs, South Philadelphia curfew center, and summer youth employment.
- Adult and Family Services: Provide case management/information and referral, in-home services for families overcoming child abuse and neglect, parenting classes, including anger management, and a parenting and community improvement group.
- Community Building/Strong Neighborhoods: Provide comprehensive housing counseling and financial education, a neighborhood energy center, housing retention to prevent homelessness, a neighborhood advisory committee, free tax preparation, and employment assistance.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Diversified Community Services
1210 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 336-5505
Fax: (215) 336-5527
Website: http://www.dcsphila.org/index.html
Mission
A nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to the economic revitalization of the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia for the benefit of its residents.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Work includes events, public promotions, improvement projects, and commercial corridor improvement.
- Attend community meetings to seek input about projects and implement changes based on the needs and concerns of local residents.
- Work with investors, developers and small-business owners to understand market conditions, promotions, provide them with local demographic information, grant availability, and availability of properties.
Service Area
East Falls, Philadelphia
Contact Information
East Falls Development Corporation
3654 Midvale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: (215) 848-8084
Fax: (215) 848-8085
Website: http://www.eastfallsdevelopment.org
Mission
Maximizing potential through personal commitment, collective talents, and innovation, Elwyn supports individuals with diverse challenges in shaping distinctive, meaningful lives.
Year of Origin
1852
Core Programs
- Adult Day Services: Provides day care for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Behavioral Health Services: Offers a wide range of programs for adults and children, including community- and campus-based residential programs as well as a wide range of community-based programs designed to serve children in the community and in their homes.
- Child Welfare/Juvenile Justice Services: Offers a full range of assessment, therapeutic and daily living supports to children, youth and their families to promote skill development, to ameliorate behavioral and emotional problems and to maximize potential.
- Deaf Services: Supports deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing individuals.
- Early Childhood Services: Provides early learning programs for children and their families.
- Special Education for Early Developmental Success (SEEDS): Supports and coordinates multi-disciplinary evaluations and contracts with multiple agencies for ongoing preschool special education services, including special instruction, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and nursing.
- Education Services: Improves the quality of life for children who are medically fragile or children with a variety of challenges, including: mental retardation; autism spectrum disorder; social, emotional, and behavioral disorders; and hearing, visual, and neurological impairments.
- Mental Retardation Services: Offers residential services options, including campus living, community-based group homes and apartments, supported living arrangements, in-home support, life sharing, and respite care.
- Work Services: Provides opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve their highest level of vocational functioning and to be productive citizens in their communities.
Service Area
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and California
Contact Information
Elwyn Philadelphia
111 Elwyn Road
Elwyn, PA 19063
Phone: (215) 891-2000
Fax: (215) 891-2458
E-mail: info@Elwyn.org
Website: http://www.elwyn.org/
Mission
The Energy Coordinating Agency is a private, nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that low- and moderate-income people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable sources of energy and water.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Energy Conservation: Brings a wealth of practical and cost-effective solutions to energy problems for both residential and small commercial customers.
- Energy Education: Provides publications on energy conservation and a "Step by Step Guide" for basic home maintenance.
- Low-income: Provides low-income households with various services including energy conservation, education and related repair services, Conservation Works Program, Water Conservation Program, and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), cool homes, energy education, heater hotline, energy efficiency codes and specification budget/energy counseling, and bill payment assistance.
- Weatherization, Rehabilitation and Asset Preservation (WRAP) Partnership: Brings energy conservation, education, and bill payment assistance services, together with home repair in order to reduce low-income homeowners' maintenance and operating costs, thus allowing them to reduce their debt and build equity in their homes.
- Neighborhood Energy Centers: Operate centers that serve as "one-stop-shops" for all low-income energy services.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Inc.
1924 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 988-0929
Fax: (215) 988-0919
Website: http://www.ecasavesenergy.org/index.html
Mission
Dedicated to community development through the establishment of Hispanic-owned and -operated institutions that lead to the familial, economic, and spiritual enrichment of communities.
Year of Origin
In 1987, Nueva Esperanza was created. In 2002, this local organization established Esperanza USA as its national subsidiary. In 2007, both the Philadelphia initiative of Nueva Esperanza and the national initiative of Esperanza USA merged, to create Esperanza.
Core Programs
- Community Development: Works to restore blighted areas to physical and economic vitality by revitalizing neighborhoods and offering counseling services to help low-income homebuyers prepare for and navigate the real estate transaction.
- Capacity Building: Works to strengthen faith- and community-based organizations that serve large Hispanic populations.
- Workforce Development: Offers job training, job placement, and other resources.
- Education: Established two educational foundations, Esperanza College and Academy High School, which offer comprehensive learning experiences that prepare their students for success.
- Advocacy: Host a National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast to meet with the nation's top elected officials and key policy-makers in a collective effort to address the diverse needs of the Hispanic community.
Service Area
Nationwide
Contact Information
Esperanza
4261 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (215) 324-0746
Website: http://www.esperanza.us/
Mission
To combat discrimination and ensure equal access to housing in a suburban region. The organization is dedicated to the idea that all people have the right to live where they can afford to live.
Year of Origin
1956
Core Programs
- Makes itself available to residents of certain counties to focus on the various goals, including creating awareness of the existence of and protective laws against discrimination in housing, teaching housing providers actions that are prohibited under the law and making them aware of their liabilities if they violate the law, and advising and teaching home seekers about what is discriminatory and what the remedies are provided by the law.
- Provides speakers to any group or organization whose members are interested in learning about Fair Housing.
- Provides copies of publications to each participant when available and information and assistance to individuals either in person or over the telephone.
- Provides counsel to newspapers and real estate companies regarding advertising.
- Developed one of the first programs in the country to test for compliance with housing discrimination laws.
Service Area
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties
Contact Information
Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia
225 South Chester Road
Suite 1
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Phone: (610) 604-4411
Fax: (610) 604-4424
E-mail: information@fhcsp.com
Website: http://www.fhcsp.com/
Mission
To ensure equal access to housing opportunities to all persons.
Year of Origin
1990; May 2007: changed its name from the Fair Housing Council of Montgomery County to the Fair Housing Rights Center in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Core Programs
- Complaint Resolution: Provides counseling, referrals, advocacy, and complaint resolution.
- Education and Outreach: Offers educational workshops, materials, and special projects for home seekers, tenants, housing providers, and advertisers on fair housing rights and responsibilities.
- Homeseekers Assistance: Helps low- to moderate-income families' access housing via publication of their weekly "homeseekers list" and provides other lists of affordable and accessible housing.
- Information and Referral: Provide information regarding other housing and non-housing resources, including landlord-tenant, emergency shelter, rental assistance, first time homebuyers' programs, and credit counseling.
- Offers other educational programs.
Service Area
Montgomery County and Philadelphia area.
Contact Information
Fair Housing Rights Center in Southeastern Pennsylvania
105 E. Glenside Ave
Suite E
Glenside, PA 19038
Phone: (215) 576-7711
Fax: (215) 576-1509
E-mail: amciver@fairhousingrights.org
Website: http://www.fairhousingrights.org/
Mission
To foster the improvement of the residential, commercial, and social fabric of the Fairmount neighborhood, while preserving its character and diversity.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Offers a variety of projects to enhance the Fairmount neighborhood, including Poplar-Girard Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, Commercial Façade Improvement Grant, and the Fairmount Neighborhood Plan.
Service Area
Fairmount Neighborhood
Contact Information
Fairmount Community Development Corporation
2206 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 232-4766
Fax: (215) 235-2608
E-mail: mail@fairmountcdc.org
Website: http://www.fairmountcdc.org/
Mission
To develop Frankford and its people spiritually, socially, and economically. FGM'S effort will result in a viable community of faith and vital community of hope.
Year of Origin
1979
Core Programs
- Emergency Assistant Program: Provides nutritious food, quality used clothing, parent education, free income tax preparation, and referrals for families who need additional resources.
- Neighborhood Parenting Program: A community parent education and support program for parents and their children from infancy through school age.
- Frankford Beacon Center: Encourages parents to participate in the growth and development of their children and contribute to the success of FGM's efforts.
- Services to Children in their Own Home: Works with families to help reduce risk factors, including drug and alcohol addiction, abuse, and neglect for their children and teens.
- The Curfew Center: Provides a safe place for children and youth who have been picked up by Philadelphia Police for violating curfew.
- HACE Mortgage counseling: Assists neighborhood residents with getting mortgages and with housing needs.
- Fruit of the Vine Mission: Cares for the spiritual as well as the practical and social needs of families and offers bible study, children's choir, and youth choir.
Service Area
Northeast Philadelphia
Contact Information
Frankford Group Ministries
4620 Griscom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: (215) 744-2990
Fax: (215) 744-2012
Website: http://www.frankfordgroupministry.org/
Mission
Friends Rehabilitation Program, out of a concern to serve Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens, provides affordable housing and supportive social services to low-income and homeless families in the manner of Friends.
Year of Origin
1961
Core Programs
- Real Estate Development: Offers affordable rental housing and has been able to develop a large and diverse portfolio through creative and innovative financing techniques.
- Neighborhood Services: Offers resident-based supportive services that include comprehensive case management.
- Transitional Housing Program: Focuses on helping homeless families transition from temporary or transient housing to permanent, safe and affordable housing.
- Property Management: Manages a wide range of housing, including market rate housing, Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly, Section 811 supportive housing for disabled persons, and the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Friend's Rehabilitation Program, Inc.
704-06 West Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 825-8800
Website: http://www.frpinc.org/
Mission
Dedicated to the development of affordable housing and education of consumers on housing and financial issues.
Year of Origin
1994
Core Programs
- Rehabilitates vacant and owner-occupied properties.
- Builds new homes to provide affordable housing opportunities and help revitalize distressed communities.
- Provides free monthly classes and individual counseling on topics such as credit, creating a monthly budget, and understanding the home buying process.
- Offers classes for homeowners about understanding home equity and refinancing loans, and preventing foreclosures.
Service Area
Montgomery County, PA
Contact Information
Genesis Housing Corporation
P.O. Box 1170
208 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA 19404
Phone: (610) 275-4357
Fax: (610) 275-1357
E-mail: info@genesishousing.org
Website: http://www.genesishousing.org/
Mission
To develop a community that is healthy and whole, to empower the residents of the Northwest Community, and to combat the problems of poverty.
Year of Origin
1884
Core Programs
- Housing and energy services: Offers assistance to low- and moderate-income residents with critical emergencies, in addition to educational, technical and financial assistance with a broad spectrum of housing and energy matters, including mortgage counseling, predatory lending, default and delinquency, and others.
- Department of Workforce and Economic Development: Provide services and support to individuals who are unemployed as well as underemployed.
- Offer programs in aging services, community-based prevention services/family support services, youth and children services, education, parent collaborative, housing and energy services, department of workforce and economic development, and health care services.
Service Area
Germantown and Northwest community of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Germantown Settlement
5538 Wayne Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: (215) 849-3105
Fax: (215) 843-7264
E-mail: gsfamily@germantown.org
Website: http://www.germantown.org/
Mission
The Girard Coalition, Inc. is committed to coordinating resources to support the revitalization of Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, including identifying resources for infrastructure improvements to foster economic growth, enhancing the commercial environment to strengthen existing businesses and attract additional amenities, and improving the quality of life in the surrounding residential neighborhoods
Year of Origin
2003
Core Programs
- Works collaboratively with organizations and institutions to revitalize the Girard Avenue commercial corridor. Efforts include:
- Providing sidewalk cleaning to the Avenue
- Coordinating business support resources such as funding, university and government programs, and market information
- Organizing promotional events
- Offering technical assistance, design tips, free workshops and levering funds to bring additional services to the corridor
- Assisting business associations and civic organizations in the development and maintenance of their organizations
- Developing initiatives to address crime and safety
- Attracting new businesses to the area
Service Area
Girard Avenue community from I-95 to the Philadelphia Zoo.
Contact Information
Girard Coalition, Inc.
704 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 825-8822
Fax: (215) 825-8866
Website: http://www.girardcoalition.org/
Mission
To develop, promote and advocate for Hispanic business in the Greater Philadelphia area while encouraging the advancement and economic growth of the Hispanic community.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Holds community networking events that are targeted mainly to Hispanic business and consultants from the community.
- Holds regional networking events designed to allow corporate partners, corporate representatives, and key Hispanics businesses to network.
- Sponsors interactive workshops covering topics such as taxes, finance, procurement, marketing, and operations.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia Area
Contact Information
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
200 South Broad Street
Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 790-3723
Fax: (215) 790-3840
E-mail: gphcc@greaterphilachamber.com
Website: http://www.philahispanicchamber.org/
Mission
Unites government, business, neighborhoods, and individual initiative to improve the quality of life in the region, build wealth in urban communities, and solve emerging issues.
Year of Origin
1991
Core Programs
- Focuses on the following service areas: economic development, education, health, neighborhood and community services, and workforce development.
- Builds the capacity of grassroots organizations to serve their own communities while also offering professional services, including fiscal management and administrative services.
- Works to build partnerships and launch initiatives that bring about reform.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia area
Contact Information
Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition
1207 Chestnut St
7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 851-0110
Fax: (215) 851-0514
Website: http://www.gpuac.org/
Mission
To help eliminate poverty housing by building simple, safe, decent, affordable, owner-occupied housing, for and in partnership with low and very low-income families.
Year of Origin
1985
Core Programs
- Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build future Habitat houses.
- Women Build: enables women to discover for themselves that they can build Habitat for Humanity homes.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia Area
Contact Information
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
1829 North 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: (215) 765-6000
Fax: (215) 765-6002
E-mail: info@HabitatPhiladelphia.org
Website: http://www.habitatphiladelphia.org/
Mission
To build self-sufficiency among homeless and low-income families through the acquisition and/or enhancement of key skills necessary for independent living, such as personal self-esteem, parenting, employment, education, and health care.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Eligible families participate in an intensive twelve to eighteen month program that ultimately qualifies them for a Section 8 Certificate, entitling them to permanent affordable housing.
- Fun Days: A program where volunteers plan and implement activities for children living at the center. Some projects include taking the children to places and events that may not easily access otherwise, like field days, experience in nature, exposure to art, music, drama, etc.
- HELP Philadelphia Volunteers assist in creating structured, enrichment projects for young children (toddlers) while parents are in evening workshops. Developmentally stimulating activities are the priority.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia Area
Contact Information
HELP Philadelphia
4910 Wyalusing Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 473-7451
Website: http://www3.villanova.edu/volunteering/agencies/HELP.htm
Mission
To rescue, relocate and resettle Jews and peoples of all religion and nationalities who are fleeing persecution and discrimination. HIAS & Council Migration Service of Philadelphia strive to advance the fair treatment and protection of the rights of immigrants and refugees, and to educate the larger community about the positive economic, social and cultural contributions made by new Americans.
Year of Origin
1882
Core Programs
- Resettlement Services: Offers pre-migration counseling and processing for refugee resettlement, affidavits of relationships, and adjustment of status ("green card") processing for refugees.
- Immigration Counseling and Representation: Works to provide family reunification including petitions for alien relatives, political asylum, adjustment of status, relief from removal (deportation), replacement of documents, travel documents, citizenship applicants, with a focus on serving the elderly, homebound, and disabled, extension or change of immigration status, and representation in U.S. Immigration court.
- Community Education and Outreach: Provides updates on immigration law and policy, voter education for new citizens, advocacy for the rights of the foreign born, linking refugees and immigrants to comprehensive services and the Jewish and larger community, and training sessions and technical assistance for advocates and service providers.
- Specialized Services: Provides translation from Russian, location of displaced persons, reparations claims processing, and archival research.
- Special Projects: Organizes its services into four special projects: resettlement services, citizenship projects, the court litigation and representation project, and the Asylee outreach project.
Service Area
Delaware Valley and Tri-State Region
Contact Information
HIAS & Council Migration Service of Philadelphia
2100 Arch Street
3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 832-0900
Fax: (215) 832-0919
E-mail: info@hiaspa.org
Website: http://www.hiaspa.org/
Mission
HACE's mission is to combat community deterioration through economic development initiatives that address commercial revitalization, employment opportunities, the creation of safe affordable housing, and the provision of support services to meet the needs of community residents towards re-building the neighborhood's economic base.
Year of Origin
1982
Core Programs
- Housing: Builds new housing and rehabilitates buildings to prevent deterioration. Also operates rental housing properties.
- Housing Counseling: Provides counseling services to residents in areas such as homebuyers counseling, mortgage default and delinquency, tenant counseling, and housing consumer education.
- Commercial Revitalization: Committed to the revitalization of the 5th Street corridor by developing retail/office space in the low to moderate-income neighborhood.
- Economic Development: Works to create jobs and improve commercial services in its neighborhoods which address commercial revitalization, employment opportunities, the creation of safe affordable housing, and the provision of support services to meet the needs of the community residents.
- Support Services: Seeks to improve the quality of life of each constituent and resident.
- Jobs: Creates employment opportunities within the organization(s) for community residents.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Hispanic Association of Contractors & Enterprises
167 W. Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (215) 426-8025
Website: http://www.hacecdc.org/
Mission
To promote the professional development and skill capacity of housing counselors.
Year of Origin
1996
Core Programs
- Develop and deliver high-quality standardized, comprehensive training programs for housing counselors.
- Advocates for allowing low- and moderate-income households greater access to affordable mortgage financing and loan opportunities.
Service Area
Delaware Valley
Contact Information
Homeownership Counseling Association of Delaware Valley
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 1610
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 731-1723
E-mail: mailbox@hcadv.org
Website: http://www.hcadv.org/
Mission
To ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially those with low incomes, have access to safe, decent and affordable homes.
Year of Origin
1985
Core Programs
- Monitoring: Monitors all state and federal housing legislation and funding and alerts members and the broader community to opportunities and threats.
- Research and Policy Development: Conducts research and public policy analysis on affordable housing issues.
- Information and Education: Produces reports and newsletters to educate and inform about the need to utilize best practices and the latest innovations to encourage and expand affordable housing opportunities.
- Advocacy: Promotes solutions to the issues impacting affordable housing development and works to implement them.
- Technical Assistance: Provided to tenant organizations, community groups, housing providers and developers, funders and policy makers to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation, and development of affordable housing.
- Coalition Building: Encourages and facilitates partnerships among housing market players to promote affordable housing initiatives.
Service Area
Statewide
Contact Information
Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
2 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Phone: (215) 576-7044
Fax: (215) 887-8638
E-mail: info@housingalliancepa.org
Website: http://www.housingalliancepa.org/
Mission
To secure decent housing for all people and the elimination of racism and discrimination in housing.
Year of Origin
1909
Core Programs
- Acts as a watchdog of government programs and polices, as an advocate for alternatives for low- and moderate-income citizens, conducts research, engages in educational activities, provides technical assistance to organizations, and operates programs to assist low-income families to gain, maintain or retain decent and affordable housing.
- Housing Association Information Program (HAIP): provides a complete range of comprehensive housing counseling and referral services to low, moderate and middle income residents at no charge.
- Housing Association Training Institute (HATI): Addresses the needs of nonprofits through a comprehensive technical-assistance training curriculum, which provides organizations with the tools they need in order to achieve their goals and objectives.
- Housing Association Reinvestment Corporation (HARC): Uses the practice of "sweat equity" to keep building costs lower in order to make housing more affordable. Also developed a comprehensive revitalization plan that will strengthen the area's existing resources and attract new ones.
- Fair Housing Institute: Conducts research and advocacy in the areas of fair housing, fair lending and insurance redlining.
Service Area
Philadelphia and Chester counties
Contact Information
Housing Association of Delaware Valley
1528 Walnut Street
Ste. 1000
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 545-6010
Fax: (215) 790-9132
E-mail: info@hadv.org
Website: http://www.hadv.org/
Mission
To seek innovative ways to develop affordable housing for families of modest means who do not have the resources to qualify for conventional forms of financing in order to purchase a home.
Year of Origin
1989
Core Programs
- Fuel Assistance: Assists low-income seniors and residents with their fuel bills.
- Credit Counseling: Provides free counseling to individuals who are having credit problems.
- First-Time Home Buyer: Assists low- and moderate-income individuals and families interested in purchasing a home.
- Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP): Provides assistance for Pennsylvania families in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.
- Home Rehabilitation: Helps low- to moderate-income homeowners correct violations such as structural, plumbing, heating and electrical problems.
- Senior Citizen Home Maintenance: Provides basic home maintenance, repairs, and access modifications for residents 65 years of age and older.
- Accessibility Modifications: Assists low- to moderate-income residents with permanent disabilities, in making their current residence more accessible.
Service Area
Chester County, PA
Contact Information
Housing Partnership of Chester County
41 W. Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: (610) 518-1522
E-mail: hpcc.info@verizon.net
Website: http://www.housingpartnershipcc.com/
Mission
To revitalize the surrounding community by providing quality educational, recreational, and community/social service programs and activities.
Year of Origin
1980
Core Programs
- Works to preserve and improve the existing housing stock and provides incentives for the building and rehabilitation of decent and affordable housing, including creating both rental and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income families.
- CitySTARS: An after school program that provides homework help and tutoring for grade school students.
- Project Youth Lead: Provides a safe, nurturing support network of volunteers and mentors, which creates new possibilities for at-risk teenagers and enables them to take responsibility for their own lives and community.
- VolunteerWay: Connects people with meaningful volunteer opportunities quickly and efficiently, and to increase volunteerism in the region.
Service Area
Hunting Park neighborhood of eastern North Philadelphia
Contact Information
Hunting Park Community Development Corporation
3961 N. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (215) 226-2300
Fax: 215-226-2308
Mission
To empower people in need to attain the hope, motivation and skills necessary to reach their fullest human potential and highest level of personal and family self-sufficiency.
Year of Origin
1974
Core Programs
- Employment and Training: Works to find and deliver the encouragement and support needed to help a person make it into the workforce and succeed there along with assessment and case management services.
- Housing: Created Supportive Housing which provides a foundation for reclaiming lives by operating three levels of supportive housing for homeless veterans, and has worked on various projects to provide affordable housing to families in need.
- Community Development: Has stabilized blocks, developed parks, planted trees, fought blight, sponsored the establishment of The First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy, developed a childcare center, and strengthened the community by organizing businesses into three business associations and working extensively to advocate for policies and programs that benefit low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
- Economic Development: Works towards attracting, creating and retaining jobs and building family assets which provide services that enable families to file their taxes for free, obtain the Earned Income Tax Credit, improve their understanding of financial matters, and receive state matching funds when saving for home, work transportation, and education.
- Veteran Services: Helping homeless and disadvantaged veterans reclaim their lives and self-sufficiency.
- Impact Loan Fund: Aims to support additional job growth by enhancing access to capital and improving the risk characteristics of loans made to small businesses in the area.
Service Area
Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties with a special commitment to the Kensington Neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Contact Information
Impact Services Corporation
1952 E. Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 739-1600
Fax: (215) 739-3283
Website: http://www.impactservices.org/
Mission
To serve the housing needs of low-income households in Montgomery and Bucks counties, to educate the community about local housing needs, and to work with all sectors of the community in carrying out this mission.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Transitional Housing: Helps families who have been homeless to make the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
- Inter-Faith Hospitality Network: Provides shelter for homeless families through the hospitality of local religious congregations and volunteers.
- Needs Counseling: Focuses on preventing homelessness for individuals and families who are facing eviction or utility shut-off, or who want to locate more affordable housing.
- Home Builders Society: Help homeless families achieve self-sufficiency by committing a specific financial contribution.
Service Area
Montgomery and Bucks counties, PA
Contact Information
Indian Valley Housing Corporation
P.O. Box 64183
201 N Main St
Souderton, PA 18964
Phone: (215) 723-8750
E-mail: office@ivhc.org
Website: http://www.ivhousingcorp.org/
Mission
Inglis Foundation is the parent corporation of several entities, including the Inglis Housing Corporation, that provide programs and services designed to enable people with physical disabilities to enjoy life with the greatest amount of independence and mobility. Inglis works with people with physical disabilities to create and provide practical solutions so they may pursue their life goals.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Develop affordable, wheelchair accessible housing.
- Partner with organizations to provide rent subsidies to tenants.
Service Area
Greater Delaware Valley
Contact Information
Inglis Housing Corporation
2600 Belmont Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 878-5600
Fax: (866) 246-4547
E-mail: customerservices@inglis.org
Website: http://www.inglis.org/community_housing.jsp
Mission
To provide exemplary services in the areas of behavioral health, developmental disabilities and aging, for the purpose of assisting people to achieve their maximum potential and enhancing their quality of life.
Year of Origin
1969
Core Programs
- Journey's Way Resources and Programs for People 55+: Offers programs on health and wellness, and helps to address problems and concerns or provide resources.
- Developmental Disabilities Division: Offers various programs in the areas of vocational habilitation, intermediate care, community homes services, family living, adult developmental training, and employment services.
- Behavioral Health Services: Provides a wide range of services to adults, children and adolescents who suffer from metal illness, behavioral or emotional problems and substance abuse.
Service Area
Andorra, Roxborough, Manayunk, Wissahickon, East Falls and Nicetown neighborhoods of Northwest Philadelphia
Contact Information
Intercommunity Action, Inc.
6012 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 487-0914
Fax: (215) 487-3716
E-mail: administration@intercommunityaction.org
Website: http://www.intercommunityaction.org/
Mission
Through culturally competent services, IFSI stabilizes, strengthens, and unites families and diverse communities using public and private partnerships.
Year of Origin
1979
Core Programs
- Services to Children in their Own Homes (SCOH): A child welfare program that provides intensive, in-home services as an alternative to institutional placement.
- Youth and Family Development Program: Works closely with each youth's family to make sure that family members are involved in every step of the youth's development.
- Family Preservation Program: Provides 24-hour, 7-day per week in-home services to families referred by the Department of Human Services who meet certain criteria.
- Housing: Provides home and tenant counseling with multilingual capabilities to provide high-quality, culturally competent services.
- Intercultural Arts Summer Day Camp: Provides children with opportunities to learn about themselves, their peers, and their global environment.
- Music & Mentorship (M&M) Program: Provides opportunities to community youth and families of diverse cultural groups to explore and develop their musical appreciation and abilities.
- Healthy Start: Helps predominantly low-income Asian American pregnant women and new mothers.
- Preventing HIV/AIDS in Asian Communities through Education: Program which emphasizes education, specifically outreach activities, including health fairs and social peer mediated support groups.
- Emergency Food Bank: Operates a food pantry to provide nutritious dinner meals for people of their various programs.
- Intercultural Language Interpretation and Pronunciation Services: Provides services which include verbal and written translations, and assistance in working with linguistically diverse groups.
- English as A Second Language Classes: Hosts both beginner and intermediate classes.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia area and in four other locations within the state of Pennsylvania
Contact Information
Intercultural Family Services, Inc.
4225 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 386-1298
Fax: (215) 386-9348
E-mail: ifsi@ifsinc.org
Website: http://www.ifsinc.org/index.htm
Mission
The Interfaith Hospitality Network — Main Line is committed to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence. IHN-ML believes that a person gets from the world what he or she gives to the world. IHN-ML has made the conscious decision to provide safe, temporary housing, meals and support services to homeless families.
Year of Origin
1986
Core Programs
- Provides temporary overnight shelter and meals for up to 90 days.
- Assists families to locate safe, affordable long-term housing.
- Helps families identify and develop skills necessary for them to help themselves.
- Provides counseling.
Service Area
Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, PA
Contact Information
Interfaith Hospitality Network — Main Line
1449 Dekalb Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: (610) 277-0977
Fax: (610) 277-9263
E-mail: info@ihncares.org
Website: http://ihncares.org/index.html
Mission
To serve God by providing charitable services to persons located in Montgomery County whose life situations have become unstable. These charitable services include homelessness prevention, temporary shelter, guidance in life skills, and assistance in locating appropriate housing opportunities, thus enabling families at risk to remain in or return to independent living.
Year of Origin
1982
Core Programs
- 24-Hour Hotline: Provides immediate help for families needing shelter, rental assistance to prevent eviction, and help with fuel or a past due utility bill.
- Hospitality Network: Serves homeless families by providing extended shelter, food, and other help.
- Temporary Shelter: Provides up to three months of shelter, food, and other support to families.
- Hope Gardens: Transitional Housing facility designed to give families the time necessary for transition from the crisis of homelessness to a stable life with hope for the future.
Service Area
Montgomery County, PA
Contact Information
Inter-Faith Housing Alliance
P.O. Box 141
31 South Spring Garden Street
Ambler, PA 19002
Phone: (215) 628-2334
Fax: (215) 643-5194
E-mail: lbowman@i-fha.org
Website: http://www.i-fha.org/
Mission
Jefferson Square Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit dedicated to redefining the term "neighborhood" in Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Built a new neighborhood that includes not only new homes but new trees, streets, curbs, sidewalks, decorative streetlights, and underground utilities.
- Provides a unique opportunity for people in a diverse range of income levels to purchase a home with incredible amenities at an affordable price.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Jefferson Square Community Development Corporation
237 Tasker Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 551-2000
Website: http://www.jeffersonsquare.org/
Mission
To assist immigrants, refugees, and other low-income minority groups with cultural and language barriers in overcoming their barriers and adjusting to their new country.
Year of Origin
1983
Core Programs
- Children/Youth Programs: Provides child care services, child care provider training, school-based after-school and summer programs, and summer youth employment programs.
- Adult Programs: Provides bilingual literacy education, job counseling and placement, immigration and legal assistance, and community relations for Korean businesses.
- Housing Development and Rental: Develops and manages low-income and moderate-income housing.
- Housing Counseling: Provide necessary mortgage counseling for first-time home buyers.
- Elderly Programs: Provides bilingual and citizenship education, social security and Medicaid services, housing referrals for low-income housing, a gardening program, and interpretation and translation services.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia with a focus on Philadelphia County
Contact Information
Korean Community Development Services Center
6055 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 276-8830
Fax: (215) 224-8150
E-mail: jhy@koreancenter.org
Website: http://koreancenter.org/
Mission
Lenape Valley Foundation serves everyone in the community by joining with individuals as they define their needs. Lenape Valley Foundation offers service related to mental health, mental retardation, early intervention and substance abuse issues. Lenape provides individualized, culturally sensitive, compassionate care.
Year of Origin
1957 (approximately)
Core Programs
- Adult and Children's Mental Health Services: Outpatient services, drop-in services, case management services, assistance with applying for entitlements, referral services, educational assessment services, rehabilitation services.
- Children Mental Health: Provides outpatient services, case management services, Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Service (BHRS), and the Student Assitance Program (SAP).
- Residential Services: Provides temporary/transitional housing and assisted permanent housing.
- Early Intervention Services: Provides services to children who are experiencing developmental delays.
- Mental Retardation Services: Assists individuals and their families in assessing current needs, developing Individual Support Plans, obtaining services and supports, locating, coordinating and monitoring those supports and services.
- Acute Care/Crisis: Provides 24-hour emergency crises psychiatric services.
Service Area
Bucks County
Contact Information
Lenape Valley Foundation
500 N. West Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 345-5300
Website: http://www.lenapevf.org/index.html
Mission
To provide educational, recreational and economic improvement programs to families and individuals to effect positive change and improve the quality of their lives.
Year of Origin
1893
Core Programs
- Lighthouse Family School: Provides quality early childhood educational services to the community through a Nationally Accredited Day Care Head Start Program.
- Youth Service Center: Provides a variety of educational, occupational, cultural, sports and recreational and leadership development opportunities to thousands of children and youth and their families on an annual basis.
- Adult Education Program: Offers GED, Pre-GED, multi-levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes in both English and Spanish along with support services which include counseling and educational, cultural and life skills development workshops.
- Economic Development Program: Works toward the revitalization of the economy by focusing on the neighborhoods that comprise the city, state and federally designated American Street Enterprise and Empowerment Zone.
- Teen Parenting Education and Employment Program: Provides support to older teens to bridge the gap between the classroom, parenting and the world of work.
- Pyramid Program for Teen Parents: Provides support services, counseling, educational support, life and parenting skills classes and a wide variety of family unification, educational, social and cultural events and activities.
Service Area
Kensington and North Philadelphia communities
Contact Information
The Lighthouse Philadelphia
152 W. Lehigh Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 425-7800
Fax: (215) 425-6091
Website: http://www.lighthousephilly.org/
Mission
Provides low-income housing in the Ludlow area of Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Provides low-income housing in the Ludlow area of Philadelphia.
Service Area
Ludlow neighborhood of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Ludlow Community Association of Philadelphia, Inc.
1611 North 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (215) 232-1615
Mission
The Mayfair Community Development Corporation (MCDC) is dedicated to promoting the Mayfair community as a "great place to live and work." It is the goal of the MCDC to develop and implement programs that encourage commercial and cultural partnerships, promote the education of the workforce, create employment opportunities, and provide social services to the senior population.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Housing Program: Purchases and rehabilitates homes.
- Manor Medical and Community Services Building: Rents the entire first floor of their headquarters to a doctor's practice that services the needs of seniors.
- Clean Sweep Program: Purchased and operates riding cleaning machines to help clean-up all public and parochial schoolyards in its boundaries at the beginning and end of each school year, and various other places.
- Community Center: Built and operates a community center that has been utilized by a variety of groups, athletic associations, and civic organizations.
- Commercial Corridor Improvements: Has formed a unique partnership with the local business association and perform all administrative functions and act as their financial agent.
- Devon Theater of Performing Arts (DTPA): Has acquired site control of the old Devon Movie Theater on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair and plans on developing this site into the first boutique theater in the Greater Northeast showcasing live performances.
- "Greening" Program: Manages and maintains three "pocket" parks in Mayfair.
- Von Steuben Day Parade: Host this parade with Northeast German-American clubs.
- Commercial Zoning: Handles all commercial corridor zoning issues.
- Rental Housing Issues: Works to battle illegal renting practices.
Service Area
The core area is from Frankford Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard, Robbins Avenue to Sheffield Avenue, and Frankford Avenue to the river between Cottman and Sheffield avenues. MCDC extends its service area from Frankford Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard and Harbison Avenue to Rhawn Street.
Contact Information
Mayfair Community Development Corporation
2990 St. Vincent Street
Philadelphia, PA 19149
Phone: (215) 332-4414
Fax: (215) 332-4416
E-mail: Info@mayfaircdc.org
Website: http://www.mayfaircdc.org
Mission
To mobilize the human and financial resources of Montgomery County by initiating, developing, and administering community and economic development programs designed to provide the tools needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Community Services: Offers programs in self-sufficiency case management, emergency services/emergency conservation, CADCOM employment and training, supportive work program, and family savings account.
- Food Resource Center: Coordinates supplies and information that maximize the availability and use of food by low-income consumers.
- Housing Services: Designed to provide budget, credit and mortgage counseling to prospective homebuyers, while also assisting those in danger of loosing their homes, through foreclosure, via the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP).
- Weatherization: Works to provide free energy analysis and will determine what needs to be done to a client's house.
- Micro-Enterprise Resource Center: Provides entrepreneurial training to individuals interested in starting or expanding a business.
Service Area
Montgomery County, PA
Contact Information
Montgomery County Community Action Development Commission
113 East Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: (610) 277-6363
Fax: (610) 277-7399
E-mail: info@cadcom.org
Website: http://www.cadcom.org/
Mission
To provide residents and area businesses with community development that is responsive to local needs.
Year of Origin
Established in 1980 under the name Mt. Airy Village Development Corporation.
Core Programs
- Avenue Project: A comprehensive business district improvement strategy modeled after the National Main Street Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Housing Counseling: Provides housing counseling services to first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
- Acquires and rehabilitates dilapidated storefronts for resale or rental to small businesses.
- Mt. Airy Summer Career Exploration Program: Provides access to training and work experience to low- and moderate-income Mt. Airy youth.
Service Area
Mt. Airy, USA focuses on the area within postal zone 19119, which includes the area bounded by Stenton Avenue to the north, Lincoln Drive to the south, Cresheim Valley Drive to the east, and Washington Lane to the west.
Contact Information
Mt. Airy, USA
6703 Germantown Avenue
Suite 200
Philadelphia , PA 19119
Phone: (215) 844-6021
Fax: (215) 844-9167
E-mail: info@mtairyusa.org
Website: http://www.mtairyusa.org/
Mission
The Mural Arts Program works in partnership with communities, grassroots organizations, city agencies, schools, and philanthropies to achieve the following goals: develop sustainable partnerships with community organizations in order to create murals that reflect the community's culture, history, and vision, catalyze community development, neighborhood activism, and civic pride, foster youth development through experiential art education and mentorship with professional artists, support artists and artisans in sharing their talents and experiences with youth and communities in Philadelphia, and use the power of art and the mural design process as tools for community engagement, blight remediation, beautification, demonstration of civic pride, and prevention and rehabilitation of crime.
Year of Origin
1984
Core Programs
- Community Murals: Create murals that often include stabilization of abandoned lots and revitalization of open spaces.
- Art Education: Work on a variety of targeted art education programs, including Big Picture, Mural Corps and ArtWorks!
- Restorative Justice: Make programs available to adult inmates at local correctional facilities, ex-offenders re-entering their communities, juveniles arrested for minor crimes and in residential placement, chronically truant youth, and residents of crime-impacted neighborhoods and victims of crime.
- Special Projects: Evolved out of increasing requests for complex, multi-faceted public art projects that went beyond the existing program areas. The department oversees exhibitions and publications, as well as the Muralist Training Program.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Mural Arts Program
Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center at the Thomas Eakins House
1727-29 Mt. Vernon Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 685-0750
Fax: (215) 685-0757
E-mail: info@muralarts.org
Website: http://www.muralarts.org/
Mission
The Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that has assisted children, families, and vulnerable and older adults. Acting in alliance with NIM's 53 Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Unitarian, and Muslim congregations and faith institutions, volunteers and professionals work to fulfill NIM's mission "to build a more just and sensitive community through advocacy and service."
Year of Origin
1969 (began as the Northwest Interfaith Movement)
Core Programs
- Children and Families: Works to increase the quality and accessibility of childcare for all the young children in the community, with special emphasis on children from low-income families and those at risk of school failure.
- Vulnerable and Older Adults: Provides advocacy and support to adults in long-term care settings and to seniors living at home. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of residents in half of Philadelphia's nursing, personal care and domiciliary homes.
- Congregations and Community: Fosters collaboration among member congregations and faith groups. Its NIM Council has recently begun a multi-faceted anti-violence initiative that seeks to mobilize member congregations to put an end to the epidemic wave of violence that threatens all of the neighborhoods.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Neighborhood Interfaith Movement
7047 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: (215) 843-5600
Fax: (215) 843-2755
Website: http://nim-phila.org/
Mission
NeighborhoodsNow contributes to the economic vitality of the city and the region by leading and developing partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods through revitalization programs and policy reform.
Year of Origin
2006 (based on earlier successful project started 10 years prior as the Philadelphia Neighborhood Development Collaborative (PNDC)).
Core Programs
- Healthy Neighborhoods: Works with participating organizations and those who live and work in neighborhoods to diagnose what's working and what's not and then develop a plan or approach to preserve and revitalize their neighborhoods, and restores market confidence through investment and strategic physical improvements.
- Transit-Oriented Development: Developing a transit-oriented development program that seeks to revitalize low-wealth neighborhoods by improving and making the most of existing transit assets and attracting new private market investments near them.
- Develops partnerships between private businesses and community development programs.
- Neighborhood Partnership Program: An initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that is aimed at developing distressed communities by providing tax incentives to businesses that give substantial, long-term (at least five year) contributions to low-income communities.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
NeighborhoodsNow
1211 Chestnut Street
Suite 310
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 564-9470
Fax: (215) 564-9474
Website: http://www.neighborhoodsnowphila.org/
Mission
To work collaboratively with the community to enhance the physical environment, increase the economic vitality and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Year of Origin
1985
Core Programs
- Economic Development Program: Seeks to further local business development in order to create jobs and community wealth.
- Real Estate Development Program: Works to bring life to abandoned buildings and create affordable housing opportunities.
- Community Organizing Program: Works to help residents voice concerns to city & state government and facilitates community meetings to provide information and address problems.
- Land Use Management Program: Works to stabilize vacant land through the creation of clean and green open spaces, volunteer greening projects and tree plantings, a community garden center and the maintenance of vacant lots.
- Housing Counseling Department: Expands homeownership opportunities and facilitates assistance for low- and moderate-income families.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
New Kensington Community Development Corporation
2515 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 427-0350
Fax: (215) 427-1302
Website: http://www.nkcdc.org/
Mission
The mission of Norris Square Civic Association (NSCA) is to empower Norris Square residents to improve their lives by becoming self-reliant and to build the community through the development and improvement of the physical, economic, social, cultural, and educational aspects of the neighborhood.
Year of Origin
1982
Core Programs
- Housing Counseling: Offers counseling in areas such as pre- and post- purchase, property inspection, mortgage default and delinquency, pre- and post- loan, pre-rental, post-occupancy, rental delinquency, and housing consumer education.
- Property Management: Offers affordable rental housing in a transitional matter.
- Employment & Training: Provides a comprehensive career development services to in and out-of-school youth, welfare recipients, unemployed or underemployed individuals and individual exploring new careers.
- Adolescent Violence Reduction Partnership (AVRP): A hands-on, anti-violence collaboration to address the social and health services of at risk youth between 10 and 15 years old.
- Case Management: Provides problem solving interventions that assist the family to function effectively.
- Hunter School Beacon Program: Established a school-based community center through a continuum of after school, youth development, and family support activities that will engage children, while providing supports to their families and other neighborhood residents.
- McKinley School Beacon: Provides a wide-array of free services to youth between the ages of 5 and 13 years old.
- Child Care Center: Prepares young children to enter the school system with the solid knowledge of Spanish and English language, Puerto Rican/Latino culture, and ethnic identity.
Service Area
Norris Square Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Norris Square Civic Association
149 W. Susquehanna Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (215) 426-8723
Fax: (215) 426-5822
Website: http://www.nscaphila.org/about%20us.html
Mission
To provide real estate and housing counseling services to Philadelphia area residents.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Homebuyer Counseling
- Post-Purchase Counseling
- Home Repair/ Refinance Qualifying
- Credit/ Budget/ Money Management
- Anti-Predatory (Pre-Loan and Post-Loan) Counseling
- Tenant Counseling
- Fair Housing Issues
- Mortgage Delinquency Counseling
- Sheriff Sale Postponement
- Reverse Mortgage Counseling
- Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
- Post-Bankruptcy Discharge Counseling
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Northwest Counseling Services, Inc.
5001 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19141
Phone: (215) 324-7500
Fax: (215) 324-8753
E-mail: nwcs@erols.com
Website: http://www.nwcsonline.com/default.htm
Mission
To promote by education and active cooperation a higher public spirit and a better social order.
Year of Origin
1896
Core Programs
- Family Resource Center: Works to help improve the lives of tenants through social workers who offer needs assessment and counseling in areas such as welfare to work, budgeting and life skills, and domestic abuse.
- Helps motivated people build a solid credit history and live in better conditions than they could otherwise afford.
- Offers job training, access to programs and information, and assists tenants in ending their dependency on welfare.
- Owns and operates a variety of apartments and townhouses in Philadelphia.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Octavia Hill Association, Inc.
Public Ledger Building, Suite 1025
150 S. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 925-5862
Fax: (215) 925-2503
Website: http://www.octaviahill.com/
Mission
The Office of Community Development serves as a catalyst to promote neighborhood transformation in targeted disadvantaged communities of Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
2001
Core Programs
- Develops partnerships with other faith-based organizations, governmental agencies and local groups to accomplish its mission.
Service Area
Philadelphia, with a focus on the Kensington Section.
Contact Information
Office for Community Development- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 587-3589
E-mail: CHSweb@chs-adphila.org
Website: http://www.ocd-phl.org/index.html
Mission
To create and stimulate economic development while improving the quality of life for residents in West Oak Lane and other neighborhoods throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
1983
Core Programs
- Housing and Economic Development: Develops both affordable and market rate rental and homeownership units in the community.
- Business Development: Works to create the conditions in the community for businesses to thrive.
- Education & Community Relations: Works to ensure that all residents have access to the education they need to succeed in life through initiatives to serve students from pre-school through high school and beyond.
- Cleaning & Greening: Works to make communities in the Northwest more livable, more attractive and more valuable.
- Arts & Culture: Works to promote and leverage the transformative power of the arts through the resources the community has to offer.
- West Oak Lane CDC (WOLCDC): wholly-owned subsidiary of OARC, which conducts a housing counseling program that is certified and supported by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD/City of Philadelphia). The agency is HUD-certified and under contract with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to provide housing counseling services.
Service Area
West Oak Lane and neighborhoods throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation
1536 Haines Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126
Phone: (215) 549-9462
Fax: (215) 549-2147
Website: http://www.ogontzave.org/home/
Mission
To lead the opportunity finance system to scale through capital formation, policy, and capacity development.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Financing: Provides loans and investments to CDFIs to support the development of affordable housing, small businesses, community facilities, and financial services in low-income urban and rural communities.
- Policy: Works to leverage a steadily increasing flow of private capital to benefit low-income and low-wealth people through policy work.
- Knowledge Sharing: Delivers knowledge sharing services, including an annual conference, on-line training classes, a Native American training program in partnership with the CDFI Fund and First Nations Oweesta Corporation, consulting services, publications; and informal technical assistance.
Service Area
Nationwide
Contact Information
Opportunity Finance Network
Public Ledger Building
620 Chestnut Street, Suite 572
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 923-4754
Fax: (215) 923-4755
E-mail: info@opportunityfinance.net
Website: http://www.opportunityfinance.net/about/about.aspx
Mission
To promote the promise of the Oxford Area with a focus on the Downtown Commercial Center through revitalization and economic development. Oxford Mainstreet's position is to preserve and promote the goodness, historic values, and economic turnaround of the Borough of Oxford by implementing a comprehensive plan of action developed through a process of public participation and consensus building.
Year of Origin
1999
Core Programs
- Manages a variety of programs and services that promote the planning, development, and revitalization of the downtown commercial center of Oxford.
Service Area
Oxford, PA
Contact Information
Oxford Main Street, Inc.
PO Box 315
23 South Third Street
Oxford, PA 19363
Phone: (610) 998.9494
Fax: (610) 998-0866
E-mail: OMI@zoominternet.net
Website: http://www.oxfordmainstreet.org/n_welcome.htm
Mission
The Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation (PHPC) is a nonprofit community development corporation, specializing in historic preservation. PHPC spearheads the revitalization of West Philadelphia's historic Parkside neighborhood — listed on the National Register of Historic Places. PHPC also seeks to attract new investment to the community, and to create sustainable economic opportunities for area residents through affordable housing, construction-related and permanent employment, and delivery of human services.
Year of Origin
1983
Core Programs
- Has restored Victorian-era mansions which are now used as apartments, which offer affordable rental rates.
- Other projects include community strategic planning and development of a Parkside comprehensive plan, coordination of the Centennial District, an award-winning community garden, participation in the renewal of the Philadelphia Stars Negro Baseball League diamond and monument, and partnerships in establishing special-needs housing.
Service Area
Parkside Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation
4220 Parkside Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 473-4900
Fax: (215) 477-3374
Website: http://www.parksidehistoric.com//index.htm
Mission
The Partnership CDC is a nonprofit that focuses on affordable housing, job creation, and economic development in West Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
1992
Core Programs
- Housing: Develops for-sale and rental housing for low- and moderate-income families.
- Housing Education: Seeks to develop, stimulate and sustain the awareness of positive and responsible financial behaviors, offers financial literacy counseling and training, emphasizes the fundamental education necessary to navigate financial institutions, banking systems, and credit bureaus, and empowers clients to manage their money more effectively, save their money wisely, repair their credit accurately and eventually acquire economic independence and personal wealth.
- Community Development: Works to rehabilitate and restore vacant property to create decent housing for low and moderate income families, seeks to empower individuals through education and to provide access to funding so that local residents can build their own wealth through homeownership, and works with buyers to address credit issues and prepare them for homeownership.
- Economic Development: Focus on the revitalization of the major commercial corridors and building the local economy from within in West Philadelphia.
Service Area
West Philadelphia
Contact Information
The Partnership CDC
4020 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 662-1612
Fax: (215) 662-1703
Website: http://www.thepartnershipcdc.org/
Mission
To help women, teens, children, and families achieve economic independence and family well-being.
Year of Origin
1978
Core Programs
- Community-based Programs: Operates the Achieving Independence Center (AIC), the Project Peace/Teen Mother Support Program, and the Family Financial Education and Advocacy (FSEA) Program.
- Employment/Education: Promotes self-sufficiency through employment, education and family financial advocacy programs that range from job-specific skills training, employment counseling and placement to family literacy and financial education services.
- Policy: promotes staff and client involvement in federal, state and local policies that affect the ability of low-income Pennsylvanians to reach self-sufficiency.
- Residential Programs: Provides shelter and supportive services to mothers of all ages and their children who are at risk of losing family unity due to abuse and neglect.
- Intensive In-Home: Provides vulnerable families with comprehensive services aimed at keeping families together.
- Self-Sufficiency Program: Helps low-income families build paths out of poverty and encompasses outreach, training, education and research.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia
Contact Information
PathWaysPA
310 Amosland Road
Holmes, PA 19043
Phone: (610) 543-5022
Fax: (610) 543-1549
Website: http://www.pathwayspa.org
Mission
To provide housing and supportive services to homeless women who want to improve their lives and become self-sufficient.
Year of Origin
1994
Core Programs
- Transitional Housing: Participants in the program reside in an agency-owned home while they receive counseling and supportive services.
- Case Management: Provides counseling services to determine individual goals and objectives and monitor those individuals to provide support along their paths to independence.
- Life Skills: Provides on-site training and support to help participants live independently, become self-sufficient, to obtain employment, and to find and maintain permanent housing.
- Elizabeth B. Stull Education Fund: Designed to facilitate participation in educational, vocational and enrichment programs, as well as life skills training programs.
- Project Independence: Free, interactive course in personal finance, which empowers women to make effective financial decisions.
- HomeShare Alliance: Matches low-income women in need of homes with home providers who are able to share their homes at an affordable cost.
Service Area
West Chester, PA
Contact Information
Pennsylvania Home of the Sparrow
969 East Swedesford Road
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: (610) 647-4940
E-mail: info@homeofthesparrow.org
Website: http://www.homeofthesparrow.org/
Mission
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.
Year of Origin
1827
Core Programs
- Produces and manages a variety of shows, competitions, and programs, including the Philadelphia Flower Show, garden tours and publications, Kids Grow Expo, and City Gardens Contest.
- Philadelphia Green: A comprehensive urban greening program that has supported the development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood parks and high-profile public green spaces. It educates and empowers people to make the city a more attractive and livable place through horticulture.
Service Area
Statewide
Contact Information
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street
5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1495
Phone: (215) 988-8800
Website: http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/
Mission
To grow the economy of Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information, and tools necessary to build successful businesses.
Year of Origin
1980
Core Programs
- Consulting Services: Provides low-cost to no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Educational Programs: Offers programs that teach basic business skills as well as more advanced and specific business management.
- Business Information Resources: Compiled Business Information Resources consisting of links that connect to the most useful Web sites they have found for small businesses.
- Business Management Library: Provides publications, reports and a compilation of various small business statistics for entrepreneurs.
Service Area
Pennsylvania
Contact Information
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School
Vance Hall, 4th Floor
3733 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6374
Phone: (215) 898-1219
Fax: (215) 573-2135
E-mail: pasbdc@wharton.upenn.edu
Website: http://www.pasbdc.org
Mission
PEC believes in the equality, dignity and worth of every person and recognizes that homelessness and poverty require wide-ranging, comprehensive solutions. PEC works with community members, foundations, government agencies, and the business community to help ensure that families in need have access to the services, housing, income assistance, and education necessary for achieving and maintaining independence.
Year of Origin
1972
Core Programs
- Housing Programs: Provides housing for families through emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing.
- Individual and Family Services: Helps mothers heal from sexual abuse, family violence, and addictions through case management, individual/family therapy, healthcare programs, and childcare programs.
- Parent and Child Education: Offers the parent-child education program (PCEP), an intensive parenting education and child abuse prevention program, and children's programs such as an after school program and summer enrichment program.
- Employment & Training: Offers the job opportunities and business skills (JOBS) program to assists homeless mothers with their transition from welfare to work.
- PEC Community Development Corporation: Works to revitalize the West Philadelphia community where PEC provides a wide range of social services and permanent housing opportunities to homeless families and provides an array of neighborhood preservation, community building, technology, and commercial development projects to transform West Philadelphia.
- Policy: Acted with and on behalf of homeless families to advocate for urgently needed public policy changes.
Service Area
West Philadelphia
Contact Information
People's Emergency Center
325 N. 39th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 382-7522
Fax: (215) 386-6290
E-mail: PEC@pec-cares.org
Website: http://www.pec-cares.org/
Mission
PACDC is dedicated to advocacy, policy development and technical assistance for community development corporations and other organizations in their efforts to rebuild communities and revitalize neighborhoods.
Year of Origin
1992
Core Programs
- Housing Development & Preservation: Focuses on the implementation and expansion of the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund to support the development of new affordable homes, home repair and homelessness prevention.
- Neighborhood Economic Development: Works to strengthen the City's neighborhood commercial corridors.
- Acquisition/Disposition & Pre-Development: Promote policies that reduce barriers to acquiring property, utilization of city-owned property to facilitate appropriate development, and updating the city's zoning code to increase predictability for developers, homeowners and neighborhoods in the context of sound planning.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 1600
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 732-5829
Fax: (215) 732-5725
E-mail: info@pacdc.org
Website: http://www.pacdc.org/
Mission
To preserve, protect, and promote Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential, and business community.
Year of Origin
1969
Core Programs
- Neighborhood Planning and Advocacy: Pursue plans for a community center, represent the community before the Zoning Board, the City Planning Commission, City Council, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and the Convention Center Authority and in matters of urban renewal and community development, serve as a liaison with city, state, and federal agencies, as well as with the media, alleviate the parking and traffic problems in Chinatown, strive to maintain a safe and healthy neighborhood, and educate the Chinatown community and raise the awareness of their civil and political rights.
- Affordable housing and Related Activities: Implement plans for decent and affordable housing for a rapidly growing population and Conduct surveys on housing and social needs of the community.
- Economic and Industrial Redevelopment: Work to enhance Chinatown's image as a commercial and tourist attraction, to improve the environment and quality of life, and promote economic development and diversity.
- Education, Health and Referral Services: Provide referral services, information, translation, counseling, and employment, publish a bilingual newsletter, administrate and support youth programs, organize the community heritage tour, and work to bring a Chinatown perspective to people in the outside community.
Service Area
Chinatown neighborhood of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
301-305 North 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922-2156
Fax: (215) 922-PCDC (7232)
E-mail: info@chinatown-pcdc.org
Website: http://www.chinatown-pcdc.org/
Mission
The Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement (PCCA) is a regional housing nonprofit that seeks to economically empower individuals and families through financial literacy education and comprehensive housing counseling, helping to strengthen families and communities.
Year of Origin
1962
Core Programs
- Housing and Homeownership: Offers counseling and an online resource with valuable advice and links regarding housing and homeownership issues.
- Neighborhoods and Communities: Provide pre-purchase assessment, counseling and certification for mortgage application and final credit approval of homebuyers in the construction of new communities and supports the existing homeowners where revitalization and new construction are changing the structure of the community.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement
One Penn Center at Suburban Station
1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 1550
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 567-7803
Website: http://pcca.verveinternet.com/
Mission
An affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the PIA seeks to build organizations that create social change, making life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a reality for more and more Americans.
Year of Origin
Mid-1970's
Core Programs
- Jobs: Helps create programs for job training and pass bills for living wages.
- Schools: Tries to create new smaller, more effective high schools, after schools programs, and alliance schools.
- Health: Environmental cleanups, including the removal of toxic waste, and the initiation of programs for affordable health insurance.
- Housing: Creation of affordable housing through the Nehemiah housing effort.
- Reconstruction: Fights the effects of urban blight.
Service Area
The PIA serves the Philadelphia area, while the IAF has affiliates nationwide.
Contact Information
Philadelphia Interfaith Action
4950-B Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 329-8804
Fax: (215) 329-3971
E-mail: pia@industrialareasfoundation.org
Website: http://www.industrialareasfoundation.org
Mission
Philadelphia Neighborhood Housing Services (PNHS) is a private nonprofit organization with the vision of making homeownership affordable for under-served and distressed communities.
Year of Origin
1975
Core Programs
- Neighborhood Development: Utilizes a community's resources to identify and deliver needed services and works to assist community and faith based organizations to reach their goals, via technical and administrative assistance, writing proposals for funding or obtaining other needed resources.
- Housing Rehabilitation: Includes several distinct programs, including the Model Block, Community Improvements, Major Systems Repair, and Vacant Property Rehab.
- Community Improvements: Offered in areas of Cobbs Creek and Morris Park to provide subsidized services, including paint and landscaping, masonry, tree removal and planting, retaining wall repair, and weatherization and heating.
- Loans and Mortgages: Offers various loans to low-income homeowners.
- Housing Counseling: Offers counseling in various areas, including first time home buying, credit, budget, homeowner insurance, post purchase, mortgage default and delinquency, homebuyer education, financial literacy, and post purchase education.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
5234 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 476-4205
E-mail: info@phillynhs.org
Website: http://www.phillynhs.org/default.htm
Mission
The Philadelphia Unemployment Project organizes the poor and unemployed to fight for economic justice, bringing diverse groups together to bring about major changes that benefit millions of unemployed and impoverished.
Year of Origin
1975
Core Programs
- Jobs: Provides jobs clubs, unemployment compensation information, and benefits for laid off workers.
- Health: Provides information on healthcare for adults, children, healthcare legislation, and more.
- Housing: Provides options for homeowners with foreclosed mortgages.
- Van Pool: Provides information on commuter options.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Unemployment Project
112 North Broad Street
11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1510
Phone: (215) 557-0822
Fax: (215) 557-6981
Website: http://www.philaup.org/default.htm
Mission
The Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation contributes to the growth of a strong regional economy by providing employers with a well-trained workforce.
Year of Origin
1982
Core Programs
- Businesses: Offers training funds, tax incentives, economic development, transportation services, immigration assistance, downsizing services, staff development, labor market information, and literacy, language, and computer skills in the workplace, free staffing assistance through Pennsylvania CareerLink, and a resource directory for business assistance.
- Providers and CBOs: Operates the EARN Center and provides other resources for providers, offers regular alerts announcing federal, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities as they pertain to the delivery of workforce development services.
- Job Seekers: Offers access to Pennsylvania CareerLink, employment assistance to individuals who are receiving welfare benefits, skills development, interview & salary assistance, resume writing assistance, career publications and a resource directory.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation
1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1813
Phone: (215) 963-2100
Fax: (215) 567-7171
Website: http://www.pwdc.org/
Mission
The mission of the Project H.O.M.E. community is to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all to attain their fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Housing & Street Outreach: Developed a proven and effective program to assist persons in overcoming chronic homelessness through street outreach, Supportive housing and services, affordable rental housing (Kate's Place), and affordable homeownership program.
- Community Development: Offers an affordable homeownership program, economic development, health services program, and community organizing.
- Education & Employment: offers a wide range of services based on best practices that are tailored to specific needs and goals of the individual through the Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, and occupational services.
- Advocacy: Seeks to ensure that all members of the community have a voice, especially those who struggle with poverty, mental illness, and/or addiction.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Project H.O.M.E.
1515 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 232-7272
Fax: (215) 232-7277
Website: http://www.projecthome.org/
Mission
Formerly the parishes of St. Edward and St. Bonaventure, the former sisters serve the community of West Kensington through a variety of programs.
Year of Origin
1993
Core Programs
- Afterschool Program
- Mentor Program
- Summer Program
- English as a Second Language Classes
- Sewing Class
- Family Retreats
- Women's Prayer Group and Retreats
- Home Visiting
Service Area
West Kensington Section of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Providence Center
2635 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 739-7465
Website: http://www.shcj.org/american/ministries_providencecenter.html
Mission
The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia is dedicated to advancing the Constitutional promise of equal citizenship to all persons irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender or poverty.
Year of Origin
1974
Core Programs
- The center engages in a variety of different legal projects, including the areas of:
- Children's Healthcare
- Education Funding & Quality
- Disability Rights
- Environmental Health & Justice
- Fair Housing
- Employment Discrimination
- Urban Policy
- Grants
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
125 S. Ninth Street
Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 627-7100
Fax: (215) 627-3183
Website: http://www.pilcop.org/
Mission
To prevent homelessness by partnering with the community to rehabilitate the homes of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Warm-Safe-Dry Repairs: A program where volunteers work alongside the homeowners and their families to make essential home repairs, focusing on "warm, safe and dry" issues such as leaky roofs, unsanitary plumbing conditions, security problems, and homes without heat or hot water.
- Energy Efficiency: Volunteers work to ensure that low-income homeowners have what they need to be as energy efficient as possible while also helping homeowners save on monthly utility bills.
- Home Modifications: Volunteers focus on improving the homes of elderly adults and people with disabilities to help adapt living spaces so homeowners can remain as mobile and independent as possible while making homes safer and more accessible.
- Work with community organizations to connect with homeowners in need while they also provide neighborhood facilities to assist in the smooth execution of repair projects, while helping to enhance services available to homeowners
Service Area
North, West and South Philadelphia, Coatesville in Chester County, Chester in Delaware County, and Norristown, Glenside, and Roslyn in Montgomery County.
Contact Information
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
P.O. Box 42752
Philadelphia, PA 19101-2752
Phone: (215) 568-5044
Fax: (215) 885-9289
E-mail: director@rebuildingphilly.org
Website: http://www.rebuildingphilly.org/
Mission
Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS) builds more self-sufficient communities by providing legal expertise and technical assistance services to nonprofit community-based organizations that develop affordable housing, stimulate neighborhood revitalization, and pursue economic development programs.
Year of Origin
1973
Core Programs
- Affordable Housing & Community Development Services: Focuses on improving affordable housing opportunities and community and economic development.
- Housing Law Project (HLP): Provides statewide support to legal services programs that address issues of affordable housing through HLP.
- The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP): Works closely with PULP in order to provide information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low-income consumers.
- HEMAP Help Center: Established this web site to provide support for individuals seeking assistance through the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP), a program of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
Service Area
Statewide with an office in Glenside.
Contact Information
Regional Housing Legal Services
2 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Phone: (215) 572-7300
Fax: (215) 572-0262
Website: http://www.rhls.org/
Mission
To assist people with disabilities and their families in the pursuit of self-determined housing by providing creative options, education and community collaborations.
Year of Origin
1996
Core Programs
- Housing Counseling: Developed a Housing Action Plan (HAP) to assist people in accomplishing their individual goals which addresses all aspects of independent living which include but are not limited to: type of housing, location, roommates, ownership vs. rental, life skills support, vocational program, advocacy, and finances.
- Home Modification Program: Established the PA Accessible Housing Program (PAHP) to provide the necessary funding to assist low and moderate-income households with permanent disabilities, to increase accessibility in their home.
- Outreach and Education: Has the RLO Speakers Bureau which is comprised of self-advocates and family members who present their personal stories and a staff that provides technical assistance on setting up effective collaborations, utilizing housing action plans, accessing home modifications and related resources and development of home ownership programs.
- Regional Housing Coordinator: Provides education in regards to the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver programs and seeks to improve information flow between the affordable housing community and service providers.
- Homeownership: Offers a homeownership program for people with disabilities in the state and believe that people with disabilities should be able to access existing first time homebuyers programs that are available to anyone of low income.
Service Area
Southeastern PA (especially Chester and Delaware Counties)
Contact Information
Residential Living Options, Inc.
797 E. Lancaster Ave.
Suite 13
Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: (610) 518-6242
Fax: (610) 518-6244
Website: http://www.residentiallivingoptions.org/index.html
Mission
To support the human creativity and concern for others that in turn leads to the best service possible. RHD believes that all human beings are of equal worth and RHD is committed to providing an atmosphere of empowerment, trust, and respect that reflects that belief.
Year of Origin
1970
Core Programs
- Offers a continuum of care for children, adolescents and adults, ranging from residential and day treatment programs, community-based group homes, respite care programs, hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, partial hospitalization, transitional living arrangements, supervised apartments, foster care homes, special education day schools.
- Offers family counseling and therapy, preventive and post-discharge services, after care programs, and vocational and pre-vocational training.
Service Area
RHD provides an array of services in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
Contact Information
Resources for Human Development, Inc.
4700 Wissahickon Ave.
Suite 126
Philadelphia, PA 19144-4248
Phone: (215) 951-0300
Fax: (215) 849-7360
E-mail: info@rhd.org
Website: http://www.rhd.org/
Mission
To maintain Roxborough's beauty and promote community planning and development in a clean, attractive, safe community, while focusing on business services within the area.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Recruit desired new merchants.
- Attract specialty shops to the commercial corridor.
- Help merchants take advantage of business development resources and adopt innovative business technologies.
- Promote appropriate real estate development.
- Create opportunities to develop larger stores.
- Assist merchants to purchase their buildings.
Service Area
Roxborough, Philadelphia
Contact Information
Roxborough Development Corporation
6148 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 508-2358
Fax: (215) 508-0701
Website: http://www.roxborough.us/
Mission
The Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight believes citizens are the best hope for improving Philadelphia and that all residents, regardless of income, education, or neighborhood should benefit from laws protecting the visual environment and quality of life.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Billboards: Provides access to information on the list of cases SCRUB has participated in, articles about SCRUB, news about billboards from around the world, and the Billboard Finder to locate a list of illegal billboards anywhere in the city.
- Resource Center: Provides information and links to individual community members and organizations in order to facilitate awareness and understanding of the legal and municipal resources available.
- Community Revitalization: Work with citizens and neighborhood groups to improve the visual environment and quality of life of a neighborhood and work to get quality of life laws enforced and help city agencies to do a better job.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 1605
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 731-1796
E-mail: scrub@urbanblight.org
Website: http://www.urbanblight.org/
Mission
Working to build a sustainable, democratic world, Solutions for Progress is a progressive public policy technology company providing services that directly assist low- and middle-income families to obtain public benefits easily and with dignity.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Works with federal, state and local government, faith- and community-based and national civic organizations, who are seeking to disseminate resources to underserved populations, to meet anti-poverty and economic development agendas and to implement e-government solutions by mobilizing untapped income sources both to pay for the services and to meet the needs of the populations served.
- The Benefit Bank® (TBB™) : A free service for low- and moderate-income individuals and families that allows them to increase their incomes dramatically through a web-based program that simplifies the process of applying for many state and federal benefits which aids individuals and families to overcome the debilitating effects of poverty and assist them in building sustainable economic futures.
Service Area
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, and Miami, FL
Contact Information
Solutions for Progress, Inc.
728 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 701-6101
E-mail: contactus@solutionsforprogress.com
Website: http://www.solutionsforprogress.com/
Mission
To combat the home energy and housing problems that face low-income residents in the neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia.
Year of Origin
1986
Core Programs
- New Start Family Resource Center: Works to empower people by education, support services and intervention along with providing an after-school program and a summer camp, and drug and alcohol assessment referral.
- Self-Sufficiency: Offers programs to help people get the resources they need to meet basic life's necessities, shelter, utilities and food.
- Community Development: Provides housing counseling services targeted to very low, low and moderate income residents, organizes the community around citizen participation for neighborhood beautification, voting and knowledge of available programs, organizes the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), and offers the Neighborhood Beautification Program.
- Economic Development: Offers various programs, including Southwest Economic Conference, Southwest Economic Development Strategy, and the Woodland Avenue Revitalization Project.
Service Area
Southwest Philadelphia
Contact Information
Southwest Community Development Corporation
6328 Paschall Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Phone: (215) 729-0800
Fax: (215) 726-5719
Website: http://www.southwestcdc.org/
Mission
To revitalize the community and improve the quality of life for children, youth, families and seniors living in the community by providing, affordable housing, quality services, and quality economic development.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Education: Offers enrichment and tutorial services, ABE/GED Services, and 1st Person.
- Housing: Rehabilitates vacant housing, rent units, sell units, and offers housing referrals.
- Senior Services: Offers senior housing assistance, a senior activity center, and senior care referral services.
- Health Services: Offers health awareness classes, health fairs, health referrals, and a fitness program.
- Children Youth and Families: Provides referral services that are important to strengthening the family, the parenting Institute, family mediation, child and parent advocate service and training, youth leadership training, and parent leadership training.
Service Area
Hunting Park Section of Philadelphia
Contact Information
Sunrise Community Development Corporation
3949 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: (215) 225-9966
Fax: (215) 225-5058
Website: http://www.sunrisecdc.org/
Mission
Inspired by the notion that helping the homeless involves more than just giving them a handout, The Doe Fund philosophy is based on the premise that work works. It believes in the power of a paid job.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Ready, Willing & Able: a holistic, residential, work and job skills training program which empowers, employs and supports homeless individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.
- Work Assignments: RWA trainees perform a variety of types of work in various settings, including in-house facilities, city parks, neighborhoods, and shelters.
- Job Placement: After completing job preparation classes, trainees are given paid time off from work to search for employment through independent searching and through scheduled interviews with employers.
- Services: Provides its trainees with an array of services. These services include classes and meetings that address physical, mental, educational, vocational and legal issues.
.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
The Doe Fund, Inc. Ready, Willing & Able
1211 Bainbridge Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 732-3781
Fax: (215) 732-7441
Website: http://www.rwaphilly.org/default.cfm
Mission
Seeks to better position minority enterprises to compete in the local, regional, and global economies.
Year of Origin
1989
Core Programs
- Business Education: Offers a whole host of programs aimed at the entire spectrum of students from young high school entrepreneurs to adults.
- Economic Development: Has a variety of programs and intitiatives aimed at economic development such as the Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, Enterprise Hieghts, and the Walter P. Lomax, Jr. Retail Resource Network.
- Access to Capital: Working to create programs that can provide financial assistance to these businesses in the form of loans and micro-financing.
- Capacity Building: Operates the Pennsylvania Minority Business Center and the University Purchasing Initiative.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
The Enterprise Center
4548 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19139
Phone: (215) 895-4000
Fax: (215)895-4001
Website: http://www.theenterprisecenter.com/
Mission
To provide employment, training, and related educational services to all facets of the community, especially veterans, regardless of their station in life. Also, to provide social and human services counseling and referrals to less fortunate clients experiencing barriers in finding their way back into the mainstream of society.
Year of Origin
1980
Core Programs
- Homeless Services: Offers transitional housing, a day service center for homeless veterans, HUD/OSH housing, case management, and emergency shelter referrals.
- Employment and Training Services: Offers computer training, hospitality training, resume writing techniques, interview techniques, financial and household budget skills, job search, development, placement and referral, and life skills workshops.
- Other On-Site Services: Provides emergency food, post traumatic stress disorder individual and group counseling, veterans benefits counseling, Veterans Affairs (VA) Philadelphia medical/behavioral health staff, VA regional office representative, disability compensation claims assistance, drug/alcohol rehabilitation assistance, Pennsylvania CareerLink DVOP representative, shuttle service to VA medical treatments and appointments, and psychiatric and legal counseling.
Service Area
Philadelphia and the Tri-State Region
Contact Information
The Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center, Inc.
213-217 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 923-VETS
Fax: (215) 925-8460
Website: http://www.pvmsec.org/index.html
Mission
To assist participants to reach their highest educational and vocational potential.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- High school diploma program for truant youth and at-risk youth: the program accepts youth not attending school; provides computer classes, life skills, GED preparation, case management and entrepreneurship classes.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Transitional Journey Ministry
2700 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone: (215) 229-3890
Fax: (215) 215-229-2710
Mission
The mission of the United Communities Community Development Corporation and Neighborhood Advisory Committee is to develop and carry out strategies for neighborhood revitalization and to encourage home ownership.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Provides education and support of community members.
- Acquires real estate for housing or other appropriate purposes. Also, operates manages, repairs, rehabilitates, and enhances real estate for rent or sale as it will reverse community deterioration.
- Provides community residents with an adequate opportunity to participate at the neighborhood level in an advisory role in the planning, implementing and assessing of activities to be undertaken by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) in specific geographic areas.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
United Communities Community Development Corporation and Neighborhood Advisory Committee
2029 South 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 467-8700 ext. 17
Fax: (215) 468-5573
E-mail: barbaramcduffie@ucsep.org
Website: http://www.ucsep.org/docs/NACBrochure.pdf
Mission
To work in partnership with the various communities for social and economic justice and to foster harmony for building self-sustaining communities.
Year of Origin
1969
Core Programs
- Advocacy that promotes member participation and leadership.
- Economic programs for enhancing community development.
- Social programs supporting individual and family well-being.
- Educational opportunities that advance skill development and knowledge.
Service Area
Southeast Philadelphia
Contact Information
United Communities Southeast Philadelphia
Houston Community Center
2029 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 468-6111
Fax: (215) 468-5573
Website: http://www.ucsep.org/about_us.html
Mission
To create educational, cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities that will stimulate the development of wealth within historically disenfranchised communities. To accomplish this, Universal Companies focuses on the identification and removal of systemic barriers to wealth creation within urban settings.
Year of Origin
1993
Core Programs
- Housing: Universal Community Homes, the CDC of Universal Companies, has acted as sole developer or partnered with others to develop a variety of housing stock, including public housing developments, income-eligible rental and homeowner properties, as well as market-rate housing.
- Education: Founded in 1999, the Universal Institute Charter School (UICS) emphasizes small class size, a core curriculum in literacy and mathematics, and ongoing communication with parents.
- Social Services: Universal has partnered with a number of social service agencies which offer health services to community residents. Residents can receive counseling and/or other supportive services from these agencies. Universal continues to provide case management services to former public housing residents through a partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
- Business and Workforce Development: Universal Companies has several programs aimed at business and workforce development, including Universal Retail Company, a for-profit subsidiary, owned and operated by the Universal Mini Market.
Service Area
South Philadelphia
Contact Information
Universal Companies
800 South 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 732-6518
Fax: (215) 732-6519
Website: http://www.universalcompanies.org/
Mission
University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City's diverse, urban community.
Year of Origin
1997
Core Programs
- Marketing & Communications: Designs, produces and distributes print materials, creates advertising initiatives, increases online exposure, and works with local and regional media outlets which help to promote University City's diverse shopping, dining and arts/cultural attractions to a broad audience.
- Neighborhood Initiatives: Strives to enhance the quality of life by working with the community to identify priority initiatives that will improve the physical appearance of the area and encourage economic investment.
- Public Safety: Offers various services such as crime and safety tips, ambassador services, University City walk, vehicle assistance, homeless outreach, community events, a public safety task force, and the share the road campaign.
- Public Space Maintenance: Sweeps sidewalks and removes graffiti.
Service Area
University City, Philadelphia
Contact Information
University City District
3940-42 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 243-0555
Fax: (215) 243-0557
E-mail: ucd@ucityphila.org
Website: http://www.ucityphila.org/
Mission
WGCDC is committed to providing safe, clean, well maintained, affordable housing for families living between 50% and 80% of median income.
Year of Origin
1990
Core Programs
- Tenant Life Skills Training: Provides home-buyer savings and financial counseling which includes topics such as credit repair, disciplined budgeting, and consistent savings, and home-buyer counseling.
- Property Development: Works to acquire and renovate existing housing stock within target communities, to utilize local, state, and federal funding to structure projects, to purchase vacant or abandoned lots and construct new affordable rental homes, and on joint ventures with local transitional housing agency.
Service Area
Willow Grove, PA
Contact Information
Willow Grove Community Development Corporation
P.O. Box 1097
Willow Grove, PA 19090-0797
Phone: (215) 657-3340
Fax: (215) 657-1664
E-mail: rev@willowgrovecdc.org
Website: http://www.willowgrovecdc.org/index.html
Mission
Women United Together (WUT) provides transitional housing in West Philadelphia to single women, including women coming from shelters, recent offenders, and those at-risk due to domestic violence.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Transitional housing to single women.
- Case managerment: Case managers meet with residents to develop an individualized service plan, which is revised every 90 days.
- Workshops and lectures on issues like recovery, relapse, money management, budgeting, and spirituality.
- Referrals are available for programs covering education, health care, substance abuse, job placement, counseling, and mental health.
- Food services are also available for residents that are unemployed or not receiving assistance.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Women United Together Transitional Housing
900 North 41st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 662-0607
E-mail: B.Williams@womenunitedtogether.net
Website: http://oneneighborhood.org/agency/women-united-together-transitional-housing
Mission
To foster economic development, advance small business initiatives, and create and retain jobs in low-and moderate-income areas. While the center is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, the services are open to all individuals.
Year of Origin
1995
Core Programs
- Entrepreneurial Training: Offers a 10-week start-up business plan course, a 5-week start-up program, 2-hour workshops and a business growth series designed to expand entrepreneurial skills and help businesses grow.
- Business Finance Program: Helps individuals evaluate their business' current financial conditions, plan for growth, access loans from banks, government agencies, and community organizations, and provides loan packaging assistance and individualized financial counseling along with financial education programs.
- Child Care Program: Administers the City of Philadelphia child care provider program that provides grants for licenses and permits to assist home-based Philadelphia child care providers to start or expand their child care business.
- Facilitates the relationship between corporations, government and women-owned businesses to provide growth and sustainability through their Women's Business Enterprise Council of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey (WBEC PA-DE-SNJ).
- Women's Business Enterprise Council PA-DE-SNJ: A marketing, procurement and certification assistance council whose goal is to increase the growth of business between corporations, government and women-owned enterprises and to assist corporations and government agencies to open the door of opportunity for women-owned businesses by developing world class supplier diversity programs.
Service Area
Greater Philadelphia
Contact Information
Women's Business Development Center
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 1116
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4711
Phone: (215) 790-9232
Fax: (215) 790-9231
E-mail: info@womensbdc.org
Website: http://www.womensbdc.org/
Mission
The Women's Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) is committed to social and economic justice for low-income women and their families. WCRP develops housing and neighborhood facilities; provides supportive services; advocates for policy change; and honors leadership, dignity, and equity in their communities.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Affordable Housing Development: Builds and operates affordable housing developments from start to finish, including finding the sites, designing the houses, raising the money, managing construction and making sure that the women and families who live there become part of a strong and vibrant community.
- Supportive Services for Families: WCRP provides comprehensive services to support WCRP families and others in achieving personal, financial and family goals.
- Leadership and Advocacy: When public policies don't meet the needs of low-income women, WCRP works to change the system. WCRP engages their families, neighbors and other community members in fights for better welfare policies, funding for childcare, resources to address community safety, and more funding for affordable housing.
- Facilities Development: Plans and develops facilities for organizations that serve low-income families and provides training and technical assistance to help organizations increase their capacity to better serve their communities.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Women's Community Revitalization Project
407 Fairmont Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 627-5550
Fax: (215) 627-6766
Website: http://wcrpphila.com/
Mission
To promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Self-Employment Training Program (SET): Provides individuals with an opportunity to take their business to the next level.
- Credit Repair: Teaches participants who want to learn more about credit scores how to improve them, how to tell if there is inaccurate information on their profile, and if they have been victims of identity theft.
- E-commerce and Web Design: Provides participants with techniques to create successful e-commerce web content, marketing procedures, and site management skills.
- Specialized Workshops: Offers specialized programs on topics such as QuickBooks Pro Training, public speaking, and PowerPoint.
- Family Savings Account (FSA): The statewide matched savings program for low-income individuals to encourage self-sufficiency through savings, financial management education, and asset accumulation.
- Refugee Program: Teaches refugees to become self-sufficient through saving and asset accumulation.
- Building Blocks to Financial Success: An online financial management education program with lessons on savings and budgeting, debt and credit management, banking loans and grants, taxes, insurance and basic financial planning.
- Financial Assistance: Offers five loan products to low-income borrowers and is certified as a SBA pre-qualification and low doc agency packaging loans.
- Offers an E-Business Client Directory.
Service Area
Philadelphia
Contact Information
Women's Opportunity Resource Center
2010 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 564-5500
Fax: (215) 564-0933
E-mail: info@worc-pa.com
Website: http://www.worc-pa.com/
Mission
To end and prevent homelessness for women and children with the help of trained mentoring teams within congregations.
Year of Origin
1988
Core Programs
- Focuses on holistic, long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness.
- Trains and supports church-based mentoring groups that work with homeless families.
- Provides a program for single mothers to assist them in meeting their needs and to enable them to achieve financial stability.
Service Area
Lancaster and Chester counties
Contact Information
Bridge of Hope - Lancaster and Chester Counties
822 Marietta Avenue Suite 20
West End Medical Building, 2nd Floor
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: (717) 394-7707
Fax: (717) 394-6964
E-mail: info@bridgeofhopelcc.org
Website: http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org
Mission
To serve needy or neglected children and youth by providing a stable, caring home built on biblical principles while meeting their educational, medical, emotional, and social needs.
Year of Origin
1903 (The branch in Paradise, Lancaster County was founded in 1936.)
Core Programs
- Residential Program: Provides services to children from birth to 15 years of age who are placed in the program through county children and youth agencies. Individualized treatment plans are designed to address the medical, educational, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of each child.
- Transitional Living Program: Provides opportunities for teenaged boys and girls aging out of the foster care system to develop vital life skills and to learn to live as independent adults.
- Emergency Shelter: Operates a shelter in Warminster to assist Bucks County children and teens in need of refuge from various forms of abuse or trauma.
Service Area
Southeastern and central Pennsylvania through facilities located in Bucks and Lancaster counties
Contact Information
Christ's Home for Children
P.O. Box 308
Paradise, PA 17562
Phone: (717) 687-6072
Fax: (717) 687-6228
Website: http://www.christshomeforchildren.org/
Mission
The LCFS Refugee Resettlement Program is a local affiliate of the national Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, which assists refugees and asylees through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State.
Year of Origin
N/A
Core Programs
- Case Processing: Helps people who entered the U.S. as a refugee or obtained asylum in this country to possibly apply for their family members, by filing an Affidavidit of Relationship (AOR).
- Reception and Placement: Ensures that core services such as housing, furniture, clothing, and food needs; medical appointments; ESL and school registration; job searches; and cultural orientation are provided for newly arrived refugees.
- Employment Services: Assists clients in getting connected to the services they need to locate and secure a job.
- Counseling for Survivors of Torture: Offers services for restoring hope and providing healing for torture survivors and facilitates access to a broad network of medical and legal assistance.
- Immigration Services: The LCFS is accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to provide a variety of immigration counseling services, including green cards, travel documents, family petitions, and more.
- Unaccompanied Refugee Minors: Offers traditional foster care and semi-independent living opportunities for foreign-born children who arrive in the Philadelphia region without their parents or legal guardians. The LCFS also provides age-appropriate placements and support services intended to promote stability, acculturation, academic achievement, and self-sufficiency.
- The Burmese Community Development Program: Established to assist rising Burmese leaders in Pennsylvania to organize and learn about resources so they can better serve their communities.
Service Area
Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania
Contact Information
Lutheran Children and Family Service Refugee Resettlement Program
Southeast PA
231 N. 63rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 747-7500
Fax: (215) 747-7707
Website: http://lcfsrefugees.blogs.com
Mission
The Community First Fund creates economic growth for its communities by providing equitable financial services, technical knowledge, and advocacy for its customers.
Year of Origin
1992 (Originally called the Susquehanna Valley Community Development Loan Fund)
Core Programs
- Operates the Women’s Business Center, which provides training, customized business counseling, loan capital, and advocacy support to small-business enterprises.
- Provides a variety of loans to individuals and community-based organizations for starting or expanding small or mid-sized businesses, creating affordable housing units, or developing commercial spaces that will affect the community.
Service Area
13-county area in central Pennsylvania (Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, York)
Contact Information
Community First Fund
P.O. Box 524
Lancaster, PA 17608-0524
Phone: (717) 393-2351
Fax: (717) 393-1757
E-mail: info@commfirstfund.org
Website: http://www.commfirstfund.org
Mission
To enhance the quality of life for Logan residents and businesses through transformative community and economic development.
Year of Origin
Logan CDC has been serving the community in its current form since 2008. Its predecessor, Logan Assistance Corporation (LAC), served the Logan community from 1987 to 2004.
Core Programs
- The North Broad Street Improvement Project: Commercial corridor revitalization program that supports local businesses through cleaning initiatives, design assistance, business recruitment, and promotions.
- The Benefit Bank: Provides free application assistance to low- to moderate-wage-earning residents seeking federal and state benefits and tax credits.
- The Carlton Simmons Community Technology Center: Increases access to technology and provides job training, computer literacy classes, and community engagement to Logan residents.
- Logan Neighborhood Advisory Committee: Provides information about city services and assistance to residents through community events, newsletters, and quarterly service briefings.
- Real Estate Development: Identifies development opportunities to revitalize the community and find innovative solutions for underutilized properties.
Service Area
Select zip codes in Philadelphia (19120, 19140, and 19141)
Contact Information
Logan CDC
5201 Old York Road
Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Phone: (215) 302-1604
Fax: (215) 302-7304
E-mail: info@logancdc.org
Website: http://www.logancdc.org/
Mission
To advance the interests of people with low and moderate income and people in crisis by providing affordable housing and related social services.
Year of Origin
1979
Core Programs
- Provides affordable housing and related services, including housing counseling and housing programs.
- Operates homeless shelters and community food pantries.
Service Area
Bucks County, PA
Contact Information
Bucks County Housing Group, Inc.
2324 Second Street Pike
Suite 17
Wrightstown, PA
Phone: (215) 598-3566
Fax: (215) 598-9812
E-mail: info@bchg.org
Website: http://www.bchg.org/
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