The Philadelphia Homelessness Prevention Program is a joint effort between the Office of Supportive Housing and the Housing Trust Fund to help those in need of housing. The program is designed to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by providing resources and support to prevent evictions, find new housing, and access shelter and other services.
This service offers a range of continuous care and support options. This means that the Office of Supportive Housing provides financial assistance to its clients to pay for rent or a security deposit, as well as outreach and other supportive services. This and more is offered to those facing eviction or who are homeless.
The Housing Trust Fund provides resources and grants to prevent people from becoming homeless. Over the years, it has helped thousands of families, children, and seniors. This policy not only helps the homeless family, but also saves the city money by reducing the need for services such as shelter and other benefits. This is a more proactive and efficient approach because it provides a limited amount of cash assistance upfront, which can be used to pay back rent or other expenses. The main resources that the city provides are the following.
The Homeless Diversion Program is a program that helps people who are homeless. It will offer a discount towards a client’s rental costs. The case manager will also help the client find a stable job and improve their financial situation so they can find low income housing in Philadelphia.
Many people who go through the Diversion Service end up signing a lease with the landlord or apartment complex they are assigned to. Many people were successful in finding their own, permanent housing in the region.
The Housing Retention Program helps to prevent evictions. This is the part that will give money to people who have a low income. The organization may be eligible for a grant from the Office of Home Security to pay a utility bill or rent to prevent eviction. Some clients may be given a loan to help pay for their housing expenses. Some people may be able to get help with part of their mortgage payment.
The Philadelphia Trust Fund may offer direct rental assistance. The government program may support those that are existing in transitional housing and they may receive help for up to three years. This may even include assistance to pay for a security deposit.
The clients will have to pay a part of their rent for the whole three years. Their monthly payments will go up every month.
The Utility Arrearage Assistance Program is designed to help low-income people who are living in transitional housing. The program provides assistance to cover outstanding utility bills. Funds may be used to help with arreage on their account, including heating, electricity, or maybe even water bills. The money will be used to help them find and move into a more stable housing situation.
The disabled, chronically homeless, or mentally ill in Philadelphia can receive shelter or rehousing assistance from the Trust Fund. This means that the government pays for part of the rent for people who meet certain requirements. Preventing homelessness before it happens is also part of this so called housing first.
The teams will provide support to people who are living on the streets. The teams will help them to move into housing that is privately owned and sometimes subsidized by the government.
Other assistance available includes help with housing costs, which can take the form of mortgage assistance or counseling, for households in certain Philadelphia zip codes. Assistance will help them resolve an immediate housing crisis and hopefully prevent homelessness.
Transitional housing is for people who are currently homeless or living in a shelter, and are working towards being self-sufficient. The city will provide them with access to semi-independent living in homes or apartments for up to two years. There are many non-profit organizations that help with this.
How to apply for homeless prevention in Philadelphia
For more information on Supportive Housing, please call our office. The office is located at 1401 JFK Boulevard in Philadelphia and the number is 215-686-7147.