Pathways To Housing PA
5201 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141
Contact: Bob Hunn, Board Chair, 215-292-1906, rhunn@kolsbygordon.com
Pathways To Housing is a 501(c)(3) non profit whose mission is to transform the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges and chronic homelessness by providing housing and treatment services in the areas of mental and physical health, substance abuse, education, and employment.
PTHPA utilizes a Housing First model. The Housing First model is simple: provide housing first, and then combine that housing with supportive treatment services in the areas of mental and physical health, substance abuse, education, and employment. 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 Pathways clients into the community. Our goal is for people to become part of the community, and not just live in the community.
The Pathways Housing First Model has been remarkably successful in addressing chronic homelessness. Since its founding in Philadelphia in 2008, Pathways to Housing PA has grown from its initial goal of housing the most resistant 125 people from the City’s chronic street homeless population to housing 400 of those folks. Not only are they housed, but they are reclaiming their lives, breaking their sometimes decades long cycle of homelessness.
PTHPA has also been contracted by the Veterans’ Administration to end homelessness in the Greater Philadelphia Area for all homeless military veterans by the end of 2015.
When a homeless person is provided housing, we like to furnish them with what we call a “Move In” Kit. The Kit is made up of new or gently used household items such as:
full sheet sets and comforters
bath towels and wash cloths
shower curtains and hooks
plungers
dish drains and dish towels
can openers
sets of pots and pans
dish sets
flatware sets
new glasses and coffee mugs,
telephones
kitchen trash cans
storage containers like Tupperware
coffee makers
brooms and dust pans
and alarm clocks.
For a Mitzvah project, we would greatly appreciate the collection and donation of these items to Pathways To Housing, PA. Children who participate in collecting “Move In kits” will have an opportunity to deliver the goods to PTHPA office in Philadelphia, tour the office and learn more about our efforts to end homelessness.