Philadelphia homeless service groups receive grants

Philadelphia organizations working to help those experiencing homelessness were awarded much needed funds this week, thanks to PHL Cares.

The business-led initiative presented its first round of funding to four homeless service organizations— Bethesda Project, Pathways to Housing PA, Resources for Human Development, and SELF, Inc. — who each received $125,000 for a year of funding for high-impact, housing-focused strategies to address homelessness in Philadelphia.

“The first round of PHLCares grants come at a critical time in our city’s recovery,” said Mayor Jim Kenney in a statement. “These resources will go directly towards housing and other solutions to street homelessness led by expert service providers.”

Since its founding in 2019, PHLCares has raised more than $1 million from corporate and individual donors in support of providing individuals experiencing homelessness with the housing and services they need.

“Since the inception of PHLCares, the COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous pressure on Philadelphia’s homeless service providers and created even higher barriers for the vulnerable populations they serve,” said John J. McNichol, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, who also serves as a PHLCares Fund Advisor. “It is our hope that these grants provide opportunities to the nonprofits to augment their efforts and have even greater impact from the housing and services provided.”

Collectively, Bethesda Project, Pathways to Housing PA, Resources for Human Development, and SELF, Inc. serve thousands of people experiencing homelessness annually through outreach and engagement of those on the streets, providing emergency and permanent housing, with wraparound services. The funding will expand outreach, engagement and connection to housing, the availability of harm reduction supplies, basic needs such as meals, housing, and case management services.

“We are grateful for the support of donors, my fellow co-chairs and other business leaders in this initiative as we seek solutions to one of the critical issues facing Philadelphia today, chronic homelessness,” said Joseph Coradino, the Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) and PHLCares Fund Advisor. “The work done by PHLCares reflects a commitment to improving the future for our city’s population which will lead to a brighter future for the city we all call home.”

For information on PHLCares, visit phlcares.com.

Donations to PHLCares can be made by check (The Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 826728, Philadelphia, PA 19182. Note “PHLCares” in the check’s memo.) or online at philafound.org  (click the “Give Now” tab, enter “PHLCares” into donation form).