As we navigate our way through these uncertain times, many of us recognize how fortunate we are and are looking for ways to support our neighbors in need. At PFCU, we’re encouraging you to help your neighbors if you’re able to.
All of the organizations listed below are still working to serve their communities, and they could all benefit greatly from additional financial resources that can help them address needs as they arise. Each day delivers new challenges, and these organizations anticipate this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. It’s unknown how COVID-19 will impact usual funding streams from government grants and private foundations over the next months (and maybe even years), and unfortunately, the populations that are currently impacted will continue to struggle when it comes to recovering from this pandemic.
We understand that everyone has their own sets of challenges and needs right now, but if you are able to support these organizations, whether that’s by donating time or money, please do so, because after all, we’re all here to help each other.
Lutheran Settlement House
Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) is currently providing services for those who need them most through their senior center, their family shelter Jane Addams Place, and their Bilingual Domestic Violence program.
When open, Lutheran Settlement House’s senior center provides socialization and free lunch to seniors five days a week. Currently, dedicated staff members are delivering food twice a week and making daily phone calls to all 83 seniors who are part of the program. If you’d like to support the senior center, consider donating food (both perishable and nonperishable) or once the stay at home order is lifted, donating your time in the pantry. If you want to help in a different way, financial donations or gift cards (of whatever amount you are comfortable with) to Shoprite, Acme, and Walmart are also greatly appreciated.
Just the portion of the citywide domestic violence hotline covered by LSH regularly takes 5,500 calls each year. Domestic violence is predicted to increase due to people being stuck at home with their abuser. In order to manage the increase in calls, the Lutheran Settlement House would greatly appreciate monetary donations so they can purchase two to three additional phones to take these calls; these special encrypted phones cost about $1,000 each. Additionally, the increased daily stress individuals are experiencing are causing people to feel increasingly desperate. Families and individuals impacted by domestic violence can use additional help as their needs change daily. Monetary donations make the most impact.
Jane Addams Place is a comprehensive emergency homeless shelter for up to 29 mothers with children in West Philadelphia. Lately, cleaning expenses have dramatically increased as they work to keep families and staff healthy and protected from the virus. To support these families, staff are required to be at the shelter 24 hours a day and have taken on additional responsibilities and duties to maximize support. To support these giving staff members, the Lutheran Settlement House would like to give them additional financial support, since money is truly what they need as they, too, are subject to this stressful work environment.
Gaudenzia House of Passage
Gaudenzia House of Passage is a homeless shelter that offers temporary and permanent housing for about 75-150 individuals and families. The current staff on duty is taking on additional responsibilities 24 hours a day while also trying to meet new and different needs and challenges that arise daily.
With two residents currently in quarantine, all other residents have to remain inside their rooms, and can only come out for food. To keep these individuals safe and healthy with a roof over their head, Gaudenzia would benefit greatly from donations like hand sanitizer and other disinfectant cleaning products, as well as various forms of entertainment like books, adult coloring books, puzzles, colored pencils, and markers. Also, staff members of all shifts would greatly appreciate meal deliveries as they continue to assist those who need them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Depaul USA
Depaul USA has four shelter programs in Philadelphia, and while many of the individuals living at Depaul are employed, many are in vulnerable professions that are currently suspended indefinitely without pay. People who look to Depaul for their shelter services will likely need to stay much longer than initially anticipated, and as a result, there will be increased demand in their services from both current and future residents.
Depaul USA’s first program, Depaul House, is a 27-room transitional housing facility for men in Philadelphia that includes medical respite for medically needy individuals. This program provides rapid rehousing for homeless individuals who are employed.
In the midst of this crisis, Depaul launched the Dax Program at St. Joseph’s House to provide housing for 24 homeless college students. These students still need a safe place to live, even when schools are closed.
Another Depaul USA program, St. Raymond’s House, provides permanent supportive housing for 27 men and women who have chronic medical conditions and a history of housing instability. To maintain these necessary programs, Depaul USA would benefit greatly from donations of any amount.
Turning Points for Children
Project F.A.M! – Family Support Services, just one of the many programs offered by Turning Points for Children, provides a large range of services to young families. Turning Points for Children serves hundreds of families in Philadelphia. The agency is in constant need of formula, diapers, and wipes, especially now during these unprecedented times. Parents in need are struggling as these items are difficult to find; none of us wants to risk exposure to the virus by checking inventory at several stores, several times a week, as their number one priority is keeping their children healthy and safe. If you currently have the means to do so, Turning Points for Children would appreciate donations of any dollar amount; donations of diapers, wipes, or formula.
We know your priority is keeping you and your family safe and healthy—and it should be—but if you are able to do so, take a moment to try to make a difference for the other families in your community who may not be able to support themselves.
If you’d prefer to ship any donations rather than drop them off in person, please see below for mailing addresses and contact information:
Lutheran Settlement House
1340 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Office: (215) 426-8610, ext. 1218
DV Hotline: (866) 723-3014
Lutheran Settlement House Contact:
Erica Zaveloff MA, MSW
Director of Development and Communications
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Support LSH today! Make your gift online.
United Way # 00079
Gaudenzia Inc.
111 North 48th Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19139
Phone: (267) 713-7778
Gaudenzia Contacts:
Charmian Ramey
Tamika Artis
Karen Williams
Depaul USA
5725 Sprague Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19138
Depaul Contact:
Sandra Guillory
Email: sandra.guillory@depaulusa.org
Phone: (215) 438-3991
Project F.A.M.! (Turning Points for Children)
Turning Points for Children
ATTN: Project FAM!
415 S. 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19146
Project F.A.M. Contact:
Victoria Mathis
Program Coordinator
Email: vimathis@turningpoints.phmc.org
Phone: (267) 736-5168