Families Forward Philadelphia offers 80 transitional or permanent supportive housing units in West Philadelphia as a part of our Community Housing Program (CHP). CHP started in 1992 with just a few units in response to federal initiatives to address homelessness. These homes consist of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units based on a family’s need.
Transitional housing (12-18 months)
Assists families in need and encourages self-sufficiency through a variety of programs and workshops:
- Health and nutrition
- Driver’s education
- Parenting skills
- GED preparation
- Stress management
- Life skills
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Money management
- Home maintenance
- Computer training
We also work with each family through extensive employment training workshops:
- Career training
- Work ethics
- Resume writing
- Computer applications
- Interviewing skills
- Dressing for success
- Job training
- Employment resources
Overall, our transitional housing program helps homeless families obtain permanent housing while addressing the educational, vocational and social factors that contributed to their situation.
Permanent supportive housing
Eligibility requires that a family member has a disability and that the family has experienced chronic homelessness. Our permanent supportive housing is offered in two locations, one for people with medical disabilities and another for chronically homeless families.
Both permanent residential housing units offer assistance to families and individuals in need through:
- Intensive weekly case management
- Supportive services, including mental health and substance abuse services
- Financial literary workshops
- Monthly workshops
- Housing specialists to develop a plan to maintain and care for their housing unit