Philly House

Philly House, established in 1878, opens our doors everyday with a welcoming spirit of Christian compassion, walking alongside the homeless, hungry, and hurting of Philadelphia so that they may experience the love of God by acts of mercy, dignity, and respect. More than just a safe space, warm bed, and a hot meal, we empower everyone we serve through deep, intentional engagement with compassionate programs and trauma-informed care – activating their God-given potential for life transformation.

Philly House offers a variety of services to those we serve such as 3 meals and day, 365 days a year and 30-day emergency housing. In addition to these, we also offer a men’s transitional housing program. During a resident’s stay with us, they have access to services such as case management, spiritual care, laundry, and hot showers. This ensures we meet the practical, spiritual, and relational needs of every individual.

As the lowest barrier shelter in Philadelphia, Philly House does not turn guests away due to criminal background, one of the many barriers of a returning citizen. We also take a very individualized approach to case management which allows us to work with someone like a returning citizen to understand what their most successful next step may be, whether that is finding a job, restoring broken relationships and rebuilding support systems, or a variety of other circumstances.

The best way to get involved and get to know Philly House better is to sign up to serve a meal. Head to sundaybreakfast.org to sign up to volunteer, to give, or to read some of the real stories of our guests and their life transformation.

View Website

Head inside for more information, enjoy something to eat, then check below for what's next:

Alberto Alvarez

Alberto Alvarez

You bump into a young man, Bill. Bill is wearing a white, cut-off t-shirt, and a coffee-stained Phillies cap. He asks you for a cigarette as you strike up a conversation. He has been in and out of the city’s shelters for the past three years. He says one of the hardest things has been staying healthy.

You realize the next few weeks are going to be a lot. You need a place that will see you without making things complicated: a walk-in place where you can get a checkup and talk through mental health or medications. Bill mentions someone told him about a new clinic that is built for returning citizens where ICJ Philly FIGHT used to be. He remembers it’s on the 2nd floor but doesn’t remember the street address. You’ll probably have to ask someone to look it up.

While you are walking there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What health issue would be easiest to put off, and what could happen if you did?
2. What happens to someone's medical care when they're released in the middle of treating a chronic condition — diabetes, HIV, a mental health diagnosis?

Bret Boone

Bret Boone

Oh no! You forgot! Quick, check your pockets. When you were released, you were given an appointment card. But in all of the hustle and bustle, you never checked to see when you have to report to Philadelphia Probation and Parole. Did you miss your appointment? Even if so, it’s probably a good idea to walk over to their facility and get your bearings. You think you might know where the office is, but you decide to go to the address on the card to be sure.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:

1. Do you know what the difference is between probation and parole?
2. Are all returning citizens required to be on probation or parole?
3. What restrictions/requirements might you expect as someone on probation or parole?

Christopher Caine

Christopher Caine

Day One is over, but the challenge of reentry is only just beginning. You have found a place to sleep and eat for the next 30 days at Philly House. You connected with medical services at Project HOME’s Hub of Hope. You know where to go when it is time to check in with your P.O., and you have looked into the vocational support offered at ICJ. Now it is time to rest, because you will have to take to the city streets bright and early tomorrow morning. What do you think you should work on next?

Are you prescribed any medication, and have you been taking it since your release? Do you know where you can go to find a Primary Care provider, or how you will pay for the visit? How’s your mental health? Do you have any job leads yet? Don’t let the “to-do” list overwhelm you, but understand that you still have a lot of work to do.

As you head back to the Day One Challenge reflection at First Baptist Church, take some time to reflect upon the following questions with your group:

1. What surprised you the most about the Day One Challenge today?
2. Was anything more difficult than you anticipated?
3. Knowing what you know now, what do you think is the greatest challenge facing returning citizens in Philadelphia?

Redemption Housing’s vision is to provide returning citizens with transitional housing, mentoring relationships, and support as they work towards independent living. If you were a resident in one of Redemption Housing’s programs, how do you think their volunteers would have been able to help you today?

Derek Dodd

Derek Dodd

Day One is over, but the challenge of reentry is only just beginning. You have found a place to sleep and eat for the next 30 days at Philly House. You connected with medical services at Project HOME’s Hub of Hope. You know where to go when it is time to check in with your P.O., and you have looked into the vocational support offered at ICJ. Now it is time to rest, because you will have to take to the city streets bright and early tomorrow morning. What do you think you should work on next?

Are you prescribed any medication, and have you been taking it since your release? Do you know where you can go to find a Primary Care provider, or how you will pay for the visit? How’s your mental health? Do you have any job leads yet? Don’t let the “to-do” list overwhelm you, but understand that you still have a lot of work to do.

As you head back to the Day One Challenge reflection at First Baptist Church, take some time to reflect upon the following questions with your group:

1. What surprised you the most about the Day One Challenge today?
2. Was anything more difficult than you anticipated?
3. Knowing what you know now, what do you think is the greatest challenge facing returning citizens in Philadelphia?

Redemption Housing’s vision is to provide returning citizens with transitional housing, mentoring relationships, and support as they work towards independent living. If you were a resident in one of Redemption Housing’s programs, how do you think their volunteers would have been able to help you today?

Erik Elkins

Erik Elkins

You bump into a young man, Bill. Bill is wearing a white, cut-off t-shirt, and a coffee-stained Phillies cap. He asks you for a cigarette as you strike up a conversation. He has been in and out of the city’s shelters for the past three years. He says one of the hardest things has been staying healthy.

You realize the next few weeks are going to be a lot. You need a place that will see you without making things complicated: a walk-in place where you can get a checkup and talk through mental health or medications. Bill mentions someone told him about a new clinic that is built for returning citizens where ICJ Philly FIGHT used to be. He remembers it’s on the 2nd floor but doesn’t remember the street address. You’ll probably have to ask someone to look it up.

While you are walking there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What health issue would be easiest to put off, and what could happen if you did?
2. What happens to someone's medical care when they're released in the middle of treating a chronic condition — diabetes, HIV, a mental health diagnosis?

Frederick Foreman

Frederick Foreman

The city feels louder than you remember. You have only been out for a little while, but already your head feels too full. Every block seems to bring to mind another thing to figure out. You need a place to stop, use the bathroom, get a cup of coffee, and talk to someone who can help you sort out what comes next. You remember hearing that there is a place underground in the SEPTA concourse, with an entrance in Dilworth Plaza next to the skating rink. You remember something about “hope” in the name.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What are some mundane things that it's easy to take for granted but you might not have available on your first day out?
2. What are some basic needs you want to start planning for later, even if you do not need them this minute?

Gregory Gadsden

Gregory Gadsden

Day One is over, but the challenge of reentry is only just beginning. You have found a place to sleep and eat for the next 30 days at Philly House. You connected with medical services at Project HOME’s Hub of Hope. You know where to go when it is time to check in with your P.O., and you have looked into the vocational support offered at ICJ. Now it is time to rest, because you will have to take to the city streets bright and early tomorrow morning. What do you think you should work on next?

Are you prescribed any medication, and have you been taking it since your release? Do you know where you can go to find a Primary Care provider, or how you will pay for the visit? How’s your mental health? Do you have any job leads yet? Don’t let the “to-do” list overwhelm you, but understand that you still have a lot of work to do.

As you head back to the Day One Challenge reflection at First Baptist Church, take some time to reflect upon the following questions with your group:

1. What surprised you the most about the Day One Challenge today?
2. Was anything more difficult than you anticipated?
3. Knowing what you know now, what do you think is the greatest challenge facing returning citizens in Philadelphia?

Redemption Housing’s vision is to provide returning citizens with transitional housing, mentoring relationships, and support as they work towards independent living. If you were a resident in one of Redemption Housing’s programs, how do you think their volunteers would have been able to help you today?

Henry Holmes

Henry Holmes

Oh no! You forgot! Quick, check your pockets. When you were released, you were given an appointment card. But in all of the hustle and bustle, you never checked to see when you have to report to Philadelphia Probation and Parole. Did you miss your appointment? Even if so, it’s probably a good idea to walk over to their facility and get your bearings. You think you might know where the office is, but you decide to go to the address on the card to be sure.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:

1. Do you know what the difference is between probation and parole?
2. Are all returning citizens required to be on probation or parole?
3. What restrictions/requirements might you expect as someone on probation or parole?

Jeremiah Jones

Jeremiah Jones

Oh no! You forgot! Quick, check your pockets. When you were released, you were given an appointment card. But in all of the hustle and bustle, you never checked to see when you have to report to Philadelphia Probation and Parole. Did you miss your appointment? Even if so, it’s probably a good idea to walk over to their facility and get your bearings. You think you might know where the office is, but you decide to go to the address on the card to be sure.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:

1. Do you know what the difference is between probation and parole?
2. Are all returning citizens required to be on probation or parole?
3. What restrictions/requirements might you expect as someone on probation or parole?

Karl Kolinski

Karl Kolinski

The city feels louder than you remember. You have only been out for a little while, but already your head feels too full. Every block seems to bring to mind another thing to figure out. You need a place to stop, use the bathroom, get a cup of coffee, and talk to someone who can help you sort out what comes next. You remember hearing that there is a place underground in the SEPTA concourse, with an entrance in Dilworth Plaza next to the skating rink. You remember something about “hope” in the name.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What are some mundane things that it's easy to take for granted but you might not have available on your first day out?
2. What are some basic needs you want to start planning for later, even if you do not need them this minute?

Michael Mastellone

Michael Mastellone

You bump into a young man, Bill. Bill is wearing a white, cut-off t-shirt, and a coffee-stained Phillies cap. He asks you for a cigarette as you strike up a conversation. He has been in and out of the city’s shelters for the past three years. He says one of the hardest things has been staying healthy.

You realize the next few weeks are going to be a lot. You need a place that will see you without making things complicated: a walk-in place where you can get a checkup and talk through mental health or medications. Bill mentions someone told him about a new clinic that is built for returning citizens where ICJ Philly FIGHT used to be. He remembers it’s on the 2nd floor but doesn’t remember the street address. You’ll probably have to ask someone to look it up.

While you are walking there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What health issue would be easiest to put off, and what could happen if you did?
2. What happens to someone's medical care when they're released in the middle of treating a chronic condition — diabetes, HIV, a mental health diagnosis?

Nicholas Neary

ANicholas Neary

You bump into a young man, Bill. Bill is wearing a white, cut-off t-shirt, and a coffee-stained Phillies cap. He asks you for a cigarette as you strike up a conversation. He has been in and out of the city’s shelters for the past three years. He says one of the hardest things has been staying healthy.

You realize the next few weeks are going to be a lot. You need a place that will see you without making things complicated: a walk-in place where you can get a checkup and talk through mental health or medications. Bill mentions someone told him about a new clinic that is built for returning citizens where ICJ Philly FIGHT used to be. He remembers it’s on the 2nd floor but doesn’t remember the street address. You’ll probably have to ask someone to look it up.

While you are walking there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What health issue would be easiest to put off, and what could happen if you did?
2. What happens to someone's medical care when they're released in the middle of treating a chronic condition — diabetes, HIV, a mental health diagnosis?

Patrick Pillman

Patrick Pillman

Day One is over, but the challenge of reentry is only just beginning. You have found a place to sleep and eat for the next 30 days at Philly House. You connected with medical services at Project HOME’s Hub of Hope. You know where to go when it is time to check in with your P.O., and you have looked into the vocational support offered at ICJ. Now it is time to rest, because you will have to take to the city streets bright and early tomorrow morning. What do you think you should work on next?

Are you prescribed any medication, and have you been taking it since your release? Do you know where you can go to find a Primary Care provider, or how you will pay for the visit? How’s your mental health? Do you have any job leads yet? Don’t let the “to-do” list overwhelm you, but understand that you still have a lot of work to do.

As you head back to the Day One Challenge reflection at First Baptist Church, take some time to reflect upon the following questions with your group:

1. What surprised you the most about the Day One Challenge today?
2. Was anything more difficult than you anticipated?
3. Knowing what you know now, what do you think is the greatest challenge facing returning citizens in Philadelphia?

Redemption Housing’s vision is to provide returning citizens with transitional housing, mentoring relationships, and support as they work towards independent living. If you were a resident in one of Redemption Housing’s programs, how do you think their volunteers would have been able to help you today?

Ralph Reed

Ralph Reed

Oh no! You forgot! Quick, check your pockets. When you were released, you were given an appointment card. But in all of the hustle and bustle, you never checked to see when you have to report to Philadelphia Probation and Parole. Did you miss your appointment? Even if so, it’s probably a good idea to walk over to their facility and get your bearings. You think you might know where the office is, but you decide to go to the address on the card to be sure.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:

1. Do you know what the difference is between probation and parole?
2. Are all returning citizens required to be on probation or parole?
3. What restrictions/requirements might you expect as someone on probation or parole?

Salvador Salas

Salvador Salas

The city feels louder than you remember. You have only been out for a little while, but already your head feels too full. Every block seems to bring to mind another thing to figure out. You need a place to stop, use the bathroom, get a cup of coffee, and talk to someone who can help you sort out what comes next. You remember hearing that there is a place underground in the SEPTA concourse, with an entrance in Dilworth Plaza next to the skating rink. You remember something about “hope” in the name.

While you are heading there, take some time to talk through the following questions with your group:
1. What are some mundane things that it's easy to take for granted but you might not have available on your first day out?
2. What are some basic needs you want to start planning for later, even if you do not need them this minute?

Lost?

Call 864-508-0892

Scroll to Top