Homelessness in the
Greater Philadelphia Region
The face of homelessness is indistinct, having no preference for race, ethnicity or gender: anyone can fall victim to it. For many of us, the closest we will ever come to
homelessness is passing one of those unfortunate persons who make the sidewalk and concrete their home. What we may not understand is that, though these individuals certainly
are homeless and in need, they actually represent only a small portion (an estimated 10% in Philadelphia), of the overall epidemic. And so, one would ask, where are the rest?
The answer is that the majority of homeless individuals and families live in transitional housing, unfit/substandard housing, are with a family member or a friend or some may
even live out of their cars. The recent economic downturn has put more strain than ever on these individuals and families living on the edge, worsening an already bleak
problem. Yet, despite the ever-growing problem of homelessness in our communities, there remains a stubborn, flickering candle of hope that we can turn to, and that is PathWays
PA. Through comprehensive prevention programs and services, PathWays PA is keeping people in their homes and more importantly, keeping families together.
PathWays PA knows that early involvement is key in preventing families from falling between the cracks. With the ultimate goal of maintaining the family unit, PathWays PA has
developed a multi-faceted approach to preventing homelessness, and moving individuals and their families toward self-sufficiency. Specifically PathWays PA offers:
- Short-term assistance for basic human needs
- Financial literacy through our Financial Path$ program
- Free Tax Preparation for EITC Eligible Households
- Guidance with Public Benefits (e.g. SNAP, LIHEAP, CHIP)
- Mentoring for foster care youths (who are at higher risk for homelessness)
- Predatory lending counseling
- Money and Credit Management Counseling
- Education and Training
- Employment Counseling
- Housing Counseling
- Linkages for Medium-Term and Long-Term Housing Assistance
Lack of affordable housing, health care expenses, low education, lack of self-sustaining employment and financial illiteracy have been identified as key causes of homelessness, and
is why it affects people from all different backgrounds. It is for these reasons that here at PathWays PA we’ve developed a complete strategy to help prevent homelessness, and
ensure that families can stay together in secure housing. While homelessness may not be a problem that will go away over night, it is a problem that will dissipate if we take
the right steps in preventing it.
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