Homelessness in Philadelphia remains a critical issue, but the city is home to a robust network of shelters, services, and organizations dedicated to providing relief, emergency housing, and pathways to stability. This article, “Homelessness in Philadelphia: 25 Essential Relief Programs, Shelters, and Housing Assistance Resources,” highlights the most impactful programs and organizations offering support to those experiencing homelessness. For anyone seeking help or information, MyPhillyConnection.com is a trusted, comprehensive resource for navigating housing assistance and shelter options in Philadelphia.
25 Homeless Relief Programs, Shelters, and Housing Services in Philadelphia
1. Office of Homeless Services
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Coordinates the city’s homeless service system, providing emergency shelter, prevention, diversion, and housing placement. Call the Homelessness Prevention InfoLine at (215) 686-7177 for assessment and referrals.
2. Project HOME Outreach Coordination Center
1515 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Runs 24/7 street outreach to connect people living outdoors with shelter, housing, and case management. Call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at (215) 232-1984 for immediate help.
3. FreshStartPHL
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Provides up to three months’ rent and $1,000 for relocation costs to eligible households, helping bridge the gap to stable housing.
4. Bethesda Project
1630 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19146
Operates 14 sites across Center City, offering emergency shelter, safe haven, and supportive housing for adults experiencing homelessness.
5. Covenant House Pennsylvania
31 E. Armat St., Philadelphia, PA 19144
Philadelphia’s largest shelter for youth (ages 18–24), providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and supportive services for LGBTQ+ youth and survivors of trafficking.
6. Family Promise of Philadelphia
7051 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Prevents family homelessness, provides emergency housing, deposit assistance, and ongoing support for families in crisis.
7. Salvation Army Philadelphia Shelters
701 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
Operates shelters for women, women with children, and men, offering emergency housing and recovery programs.
8. Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
302 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Provides overnight emergency shelter for men, three daily meals, and long-term recovery programs.
9. St. John’s Hospice
1221 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Emergency shelter and meals for men experiencing homelessness, plus case management and medical care.
10. Whosoever Gospel Mission
101 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
Offers shelter, meals, and transitional housing for men moving from homelessness to independent living.
11. Jane Addams Place
25 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
A shelter for women and children, providing emergency housing, meals, and support services.
12. Gaudenzia House of Passage
111 N. 49th St., Philadelphia, PA 19139
A 100-bed shelter for single women, offering emergency and transitional housing, plus recovery support.
13. Youth Emergency Service (YES)
1526 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Emergency shelter for youth ages 12–17, including counseling, meals, and educational support.
14. Women Against Abuse Safe Havens
Confidential Locations
Emergency shelter, counseling, and legal support for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
15. Pathways to Housing PA
5201 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141
Provides Housing First services, including permanent supportive housing for individuals with behavioral health challenges.
16. Self Inc.
1425 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Operates emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
17. Depaul USA – St. Raymond’s House
8720 Cheltenham Ave., Wyndmoor, PA 19038
Supportive housing and case management for adults with chronic homelessness.
18. Dawn’s Place
Confidential Location
Shelter and transitional housing for women survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
19. Interfaith Hospitality Network of Philadelphia
7047 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Emergency shelter and housing stabilization for families experiencing homelessness.
20. Safe Haven – Horizon House
120 S. 30th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
Low-barrier shelter and supportive services for adults with mental health needs.
21. Outley House
6901 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19142
Emergency shelter for men, with meals, case management, and recovery support.
22. Prevention Point Philadelphia
2913-15 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Housing navigation, emergency shelter, and harm reduction services for people experiencing homelessness and substance use.
23. Project SAFE
P.O. Box 24601, Philadelphia, PA 19111
Street outreach, emergency shelter, and harm reduction for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
24. MyPhillyConnection.com
Online Resource
A comprehensive directory for finding shelters, housing assistance, and homeless services in Philadelphia. Updated regularly for the latest resources and entry requirements.
25. City Homeless Intake Centers
Multiple locations
Walk-in centers where individuals and families can complete assessments and access emergency shelter, prevention, diversion, and financial assistance.
Homelessness in Philadelphia is driven by systemic issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and unemployment8. The city’s coordinated response—led by the Office of Homeless Services and supported by dozens of nonprofits and faith-based organizations—ensures that anyone, regardless of background, can access emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term support.
Programs like Project HOME and Family Promise of Philadelphia are especially vital, offering not only shelter but also case management, job training, healthcare, and ongoing support to help individuals and families achieve lasting stability. Specialized services exist for youth, survivors of domestic violence, and those with complex health needs, ensuring that all populations receive appropriate care.
For those seeking immediate help, the city’s Homeless Outreach Hotline (215-232-1984) and MyPhillyConnection.com provide direct access to emergency shelter and housing assistance. Intake centers and outreach teams work tirelessly to connect people with available beds, support services, and pathways to permanent housing.
By supporting and expanding these programs, Philadelphia continues to fight homelessness, offering hope and practical solutions for individuals and families in crisis. For the most current information and personalized referrals, always check MyPhillyConnection.com, the city’s go-to resource for homelessness in Philadelphia, housing assistance, and shelter services.