Families Forward Philadelphia

Families Forward Philadelphia (Families Forward) has emerged from – and revitalized – the legacy of the Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia, which was established in 1901 to aid stranded travelers in the city, most of whom were new immigrants. The agency extended its mission during the Depression to include housing and assistance to unemployed persons throughout Philadelphia, and in the 1990s, developed a suite of programs to address homelessness and poverty in the City. We are the largest family shelter in the City of Philadelphia serving over 800 individuals annually in our programs, including emergency shelter, and transitional or permanent supportive housing throughout West Philadelphia. Families Forward's emergency shelter offers 65 private family units, in a safe, friendly environment, nutritious meals, intensive case management, and resources such as preventive healthcare, financial planning, parenting classes, a Bright Spaces early childhood program and a tutoring club for the children and teens in our care. The Community Housing Program (CHP) houses more than 80 families at transitional and permanent housing sites in the community. Each family lives in a 2, 3, or 4-bedroom, fully furnished apartment or house. Families Forward pays rent and utilities, supported by tenants' fees based upon federally approved rates, with the balance subsidized through HUD. To participate, families must actively engage in Families Forward's intensive case management and supportive programs, educational classes, employment training, and permanent housing planning in order to accelerate their transition into the economic mainstream – engaging as true partners in moving their lives forward.