In alignment with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services Strategic Plan, the Center for Hope employs a “Housing First” approach to its work with community members.
“Housing First” is a relatively new approach in how homeless people are transitioned to housing services, programs and social policy. It is based on quickly moving community members experiencing homelessness into independent housing and then providing referrals to additional supports and services as needed.
Other approaches mandate requirements e.g. an established period of sobriety that a homeless individual must first meet in order to obtain and retain housing. “Housing First” views housing as the main foundation for life improvement.