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) +

Permanent 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. Residents receive support with Enhance Independent Living Skills. ESP has 34 scattered-site units for male or female heads of households – 16 for households with children; 18 for single adults. Residents receive support to Enhance Independent Living Skills.

Case Management +

Dignity’s Case Mangers 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 Scholarship Fund +

Named for co-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: college tours, college preparatory courses and application fees, direct tuition assistance, books, 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.

Family Activities +

Dignity provides a variety of activities to help families bond and heal from the traumas and insecurity of homelessness. For families who struggle to find common ground in the stress of their daily lives, the Family Retreat experience creates an opportunity to come together in a positive environment. The Family Retreat is designed to promote family bonding and enhanced family communication through a variety of interactive and dynamic activities. Dignity staff members participate in the off-site trip, and work with families after the experience to help them incorporate what they learned into their daily routine.Additional family activities include game nights; movie nights; trips to local museums, sporting events and theatres; and workshops on family health and nutrition. Last year, families enjoyed an end-of-summer picnic at the Philadelphia Zoo as well as a Holiday Party featuring face painting and other entertainment for families. Free of cost, family activities provide opportunities for family bonding while supporting our adult heads of household in maintaining their savings goals during their time in Dignity.

Dignity Resource & Opportunities Center +

(Dignity ROCs), where the After School Enrichment Program is held, is a newly renovated space with a computer lab that has two stations specifically set up for the younger children. Dignity Housing’s children and youth activities provide a safe, supportive and structured environment for homeless children. Activities include scheduled computer exposure, homework help/tutoring in reading and/or math, cultural workshops, activities, and trips.

Dignity After School Enrichment Program +

This program currently serves children from Dignity’s transitional housing programs, Alicia’s House and Dignity III. The AEP serves a dual purpose: to provide a free, convenient solution for Dignity mothers (who are employed and/or enrolled in educational programs) that are seeking quality after-school care for their children; and to provide a structured, safe and nurturing environment for children and youth.Tutoring and homework assistance are provided to program participants three days a week. Specialized tests are given to each student to assess their abilities and to measure progress in various subjects. Individual Academic Plans (IAP) are used by staff and tutors to set specialized goals according to each child’s ability. Supplemental trips, workshops, and activities are incorporated to help improve social skills and individual growth.

Cultural Workshops, Trips, and Activities +

As part of Dignity’s After School Program, children participate in a variety of workshops, trips and activities throughout the year that promote cultural awareness, tolerance, and self-confidence, as well as develop critical thinking and decision making skills. Dignity collaborates with an organization, CHP Tours, that provides monthly workshops and artistic activities that focus on languages, artifacts and diversity among cultures.

The Playground Project +

From the moment Beverly Roberts-Cruse came to Dignity Housing, 28 years ago, she worked tirelessly to deliver a safe and supportive environment for the homeless families and individuals we serve. At Dignity Housing’s 2016 Gala to honor Beverly’s retirement as Executive Director, she announced the launch of one final project, something she’s wanted to accomplish for Dignity for over ten years.

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 mothers 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 has 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.

Thanks to a grant from Fox & Roach Charities, we are half way to our goal for “Beverly’s Playground,” but we still need your support. Please consider purchasing an engraved brick for our donor walkway. The bricks are available in three different levels and can be customized with your name and/or a message. In addition to leaving a lasting legacy, you will receive regular updates on the progress of the playground and be invited to take part in our ribbon cutting ceremony. With your help, Beverly’s dream of building Dignity’s playground will become a reality and be a place where children can play freely with their peers, mothers can catch up with neighbors, and everyone can enjoy the fresh air in a safe, accessible environment.

Free Access Computer Lab +

Dignity Housing has opened a KEYSPOT, a computer lab open to the public. Here, you can get free access to computers and internet, individualized support, and beginner computer courses.

Address: 5227-R Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

The lab is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-1pm and 2-4:30pm.