Diversified Community Services (DCS) provides housing retention services to 50 families in Philadelphia at Dixon House. The goal is to prevent the loss of housing and address the problems that lead to housing crises. Many participants in this program come from the immediate Point Breeze neighborhood around Dixon House. The Office of Supportive housing refers people from other parts of the city as well.

Applicants must be nearly homeless with either an eviction notice or a mortgage foreclosure notice. Once accepted, the family meets with a counselor to determine the immediate steps to retain housing. Counselors mediate with landlords and financial institutions to set up a payment schedule and ensure families do not lose their residences.

After they avert the immediate crisis, counselors work with families to identify the problems that led to the crisis. Counselors and families draw up a service plan, usually spanning three to six months, and DCS provides emergency assistance during that period. One of the main issues is usually a financial problem so DCS offers help with energy cost, employment, and credit repair.

To reduce energy costs DCS provides conservation tips and weatherization products and training through Dixon House. Counselors help families secure employment and job training to increase income. For families living as tenants it is often cheaper to become homeowners, so DCS helps families repair their credit and set up a savings plan so that they can get a mortgage.

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