An expansion of the national nonprofit HELP USA, HELP Philadelphia provides transitional housing for 50 single-parent families in the Mill Creek section of West Philadelphia. The Office of Supportive Housing makes referrals.

HELP has a five-stage program that focuses on case management to help residents achieve stability. Once entering HELP’s transitional housing program, residents meet with a case manager at least three times a week to set up a program tailored to their specific needs. Residents are expected to attend on-site life skills classes and a special employment workshop offered by the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition or the People’s Emergency Center. After completing that workshop residents receive intensive counseling. Residents then develop their own plan in order to demonstrate responsibility and the ability to plan their own lives successfully. The final stage requires residents to reconnect with the community, including friends and family.

Residents generally stay in transitional housing for 12-18 months. HELP runs a food cupboard for residents who need additional food. The Department of Human Services offers childcare and parenting services. Community Mental Health facilities provide mental health services and social workers are present on-site to provide short-term counseling. HELP also provides assistance in finding permanent housing and runs a savings program for residents to ensure that they can afford to move into another housing situation.

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