Founded by formerly homeless people, Dignity Housing provides transitional housing for homeless families in North Philadelphia. Dignity has a number of different programs tailored to the specific needs of residents. The Office of Supportive Housing makes referrals.

The original Dignity Housing program is open to all families and consists of 41 housing units in Northwest Philadelphia. Case managers work with families to develop life skills and help with employment, budgeting, and permanent housing. Outside organizations provide health care and other essential services. Families can stay for up to two years.

Dignity II consists of 16 apartment units in Germantown and serves single-mother families with a mother who is recovering from drug and alcohol dependency or domestic violence. Case managers work with families intensively and help them succeed through a five-phase program. Families stay at Dignity II for 18-24 months.

Dignity III is made up of eight housing units in Germantown and is geared towards helping residents achieve good employment. Families can stay for up to two years. Another Dignity program, called Enhanced Services, helps residents with HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol dependency, mental illness, or physical disability. Residents in this program receive intensive care from case managers to help them achieve stability. Outside organizations that specialize in a resident’s particular needs also lend assistance.

Future Homes, a new program, offers residents a chance to own a house. The initial program offers four homes to homeless families who can own the home within a year or two. Families must pass a series of screenings to check for financial reliability, no drug or alcohol dependency, employment, and a cleared criminal record. After receiving a house, residents work with a Housing Coach to set up a savings plan. Dignity will also offer monetary assistance to help defray closing costs when residents are ready to purchase the home.

One Neighborhood developed this summary. If you are an employee of Dignity Housing, contact hello@oneneighborhood.org to update this page.