Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2021
We believe that housing is a basic human right. Everyone deserves a place to call home – it’s that simple.
On any given night, more than 6,200 people are experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Of those, more than 1,100 are sleeping unsheltered. Saturday, November 13th is the start of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week, which is a week dedicated to drawing attention to poverty created by Villanova University in 1975. While hunger and homelessness are issues that require attention and support year round, we stand by our fellow social services organizations this week in advocating for community support and funds to address these critical issues.
Pathways to Housing PA was founded to positively transform the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges and chronic homelessness by supporting self-directed recovery and community inclusion. As an alternative to a system of emergency shelter and transitional housing progressions, our model is simple: provide housing first, and then provide comprehensive supportive treatment services in the areas of mental and physical health, substance use, education, and employment.
We support people with behavioral health disabilities who have experienced chronic homelessness by providing permanent housing, medical care, and behavioral health care, and encouraging full participation in community life. Complex issues like homelessness require creativity, innovation, and constant evolution to meet the needs of those affected.
Housing is provided in apartments scattered throughout the city of Philadelphia. This scattered site model fosters a sense of home and self-determination, and it helps speed the reintegration of our clients into their community. Our goal is for participants to become part of the community, and not just live in the community. Pathways to Housing PA maintains an 85% housing retention rate even amongst those individuals not considered housing ready by other programs.
This week, we’ll be sharing blogs on a variety of topics related to hunger and homelessness, including race, hostile design, veterans, and how you can help support those experiencing homelessness. Stay tuned!
