Arising From Homelessness

Each day teens like Terrance (name changed to protect his privacy), in our Arise transitional housing program, find much needed support and services, often for the first time in their lives, that help them build essential resiliency skills and learn to navigate life’s ups and downs so they can achieve their goals. Terrance grew up without the safety and stability that his peers had. He struggled with undiagnosed mental health issues, self-medicated with substance use, and experienced homelessness – sometimes even finding shelter in abandoned buildings. He was tired of feeling lost, wanted a home, and needed a support network of caring people.

Terrance engaged in HopePHL workshops and social events. With our case management team, he made a plan that would fulfill his goal of housing he could afford, in a supportive environment. He worked with our Behavioral Health team to better manage his mental health and establish trusting relationships. He joined HopePHL’s policy team on a trip to Harrisburg to advocate for young adults in similar situations and met with a councilmember and future mayoral candidate to advocate for more rental assistance funding and mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness. This advocacy resulted in the city sustaining funding for homelessness prevention for another year.
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This year, Terrance received the exciting news that he was approved for affordable housing. While he was initially uncertain about the transition, our staff provided him with encouragement and support, as well as basic home goods and transitional support to ensure a comfortable and successful move. The process of healing and accessing housing took two years. For the youth experiencing homelessness we are serving now, and across the city, this is common, and HopePHL is here to help.
 
Terrance’s story is just one example of the impact that HopePHL has due to your support. Your support gives us hope, and we believe that people with hope, thrive.