Our Work

Alicia’s House +

A secured, gated transitional housing program for families and individuals experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence. Fourteen (14) units are for households with children, two (2) units for single adults. All apartments in this development are fully furnished and supports focus on transitioning to permanent housing and healing from trauma.

Better Options for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) +

A transitional housing program for families who became homeless due to substance addiction and are in recovery. BOSS provides 8 units of housing for families and offers supportive services to assist them in transitioning to permanent housing and maintaining sobriety.

Enhanced Services Project (ESP) +

Long-term Supportive Housing for formerly homeless residents with disabilities (or that have an adult or child family member with a disability) including chronic substance abuse, HIV-AIDS, dual diagnoses (substance abuse and mental health) or physical disabilities. ESP has 34 scattered-site units – 16 for households with children, 18 for single adults. Residents receive support to enhance independent living skills.

Case Management +

Dignity’s case managers represent the heart of the organization’s supportive services. They develop trusting relationships with their clients and provide guidance, encouragement and resources that help families and individuals achieve stability and break the cycle of homelessness.

Health & Wellness Supports +

While homelessness has many causes, substance addiction and/or long-term struggles with mental health issues are major obstacles to stability and self-sufficiency for many Dignity residents. Dignity works closely with a clinical consultant to understand the role that mental health plays in each resident’s struggles with poverty and homelessness. Residents may receive mental health services and attend outpatient and sponsorship programs via a range of providers. In addition, on-site workshops and seminars are organized by case managers to address the health and well-being of our residents and their children.

Education & Employment Supports +

Dignity was founded with the inherent understanding that education is critical to moving Dignity’s residents toward self-sufficiency. Being employed does not guarantee that a family or individual can escape poverty after leaving a supportive housing program. In order to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, a livable wage and benefits are needed; education is a key component to opening doors to success. Low-wage jobs are often also “low-quality,” with little if any benefits, unreliable schedules, and little room for flexibility that allow parents to tend to the needs of their children. For many Dignity residents, education is the key to not only moving back into the workforce but also improving their life skills and enhancing self-esteem. The goal of Dignity’s Education and Employment Readiness supports is to advance education and assist individual residents in obtaining employment at livable wages with benefits.

Alicia Christian Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund +

Named for founder and retired Executive Director Alicia Christian, the Scholarship Fund reduces financial barriers that prohibit residents from successfully pursuing educational advancement and life skills objectives. Funds are utilized by both adults and youth for a large variety of needs including, college preparatory courses, application fees, tuition assistance, books and other classroom materials, and childcare in situations where childcare costs impede participation in educational programs. Scholarships are also used to support summer camp experiences for children and youth. Since its inception, Dignity has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to Dignity residents.

Housing Placement +

Dignity’s Housing Placement services focuses on preparing clients for their transition beyond Dignity. Clients begin Housing Placement activities with their case manager shortly after entering the program in order to move steadily toward the goal of securing permanent housing after Dignity. Case managers assist with the assessment and identification of appropriate permanent housing options which may include: supportive housing, low-cost rental, fair market rental or homeownership. Residents also engage in financial planning, credit repair, debt management, budgeting, and savings activities to further prepare them for independent living.

Dignity After School Enrichment Program +

Dignity's After School Enrichment Program (AEP)provides a safe, supportive and structured environment for the homeless and low-income children who reside at Dignity Housing or are alumni of the program.

The goal of the AEP is to promote positive youth development by reducing the educational and cultural disparities experienced by formerly homeless and low-income students.

The After School Enrichment Program focuses on improving math and language arts comprehension by utilizing an individualized student plan which is used as a guide for tutoring and evaluation. Students receive homework help and tutoring, partake in specialized activities (e.g. special lessons based on seasonal/monthly themes, social studies or art projects), and have access to a small lending library and computer lab used for educational computer activities.

Cultural Workshops, Trips, and Activities +

As part of Dignity’s After School Enrichment Program, children participate in a variety of workshops, trips and activities throughout the year that promote cultural awareness, tolerance, and build self-confidence, as well as develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Dignity collaborates with community groups, local schools, and dedicated volunteers to run these special programs.

The Playground Project +

From the moment Beverly Roberts-Cruse came to Dignity Housing, she worked tirelessly to deliver a safe and supportive environment for the homeless families and individuals we serve. To honor Beverly’s retirement as Executive Director, we launched the playground project and we are excited to We are excited to announce that we have reached our goal! Construction on Beverly’s Playground, Sponsored by Fox & Roach Trident Charities will begin soon.

Each year, approximately 100 children reside with their families in a Dignity Housing unit. All come from low income households, most are being raised by a single mother and many were living in emergency shelters before finding Dignity. These children have ongoing stressors due to trauma, which is often related to being homeless and witnessing their parents struggle. Many of the parents residing in our Alicia’s House program come from tragic pasts, plagued by domestic violence. Because of this, simple things like taking their children to the community park or even just playing outside is usually not an option. For this reason, Dignity Housing proudly launched a campaign to build our residents and their children a safe and fun place to play, steps away from their front door, on the gated property of our Alicia’s House program.

Other major supporters of this project are:

Keystone Family Health Plan, The Hassel Foundation, Eagles Charitable Foundation, Dolfinger-McHahon Foundation, Raymour and Flanigan - Abington, and the McLean Contributionship.

If you haven't done so already, there's still time to buy a brick and leave a lasting legacy. Your support will help us maintain the playground for years to come. Bricks start at $100 and allow you to honor Beverly Roberts-Cruse, friends, family, or your company, while immortalizing your commitment to Dignity Housing.

Free Access Computer Lab +

Dignity Housing is part of the KEYSPOT Network, a network of public, private, and nonprofit organizations that provide free technology, training, and other opportunities through community-based public access centers.

At Dignity’s KEYSPOT, you can create a resume, check email, use social media and more. Call us today to find out about when our next Beginner Computer Course will be offered.

The lab is located at Dignity Housing’s main office, 5227-R Germantown Avenue and open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-1pm and 2-4:30pm. During the summer months, the lab closes at 3 pm on Fridays.