Sam Morales Community Health Center

The Sam Morales Community Health Center, a program of Philadelphia FIGHT, is a low-barrier, walk-in health center designed to serve individuals facing barriers to healthcare, with a particular focus on people returning to the community after incarceration. As a one-stop, wraparound medical home, the center provides comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses both immediate health needs and the social factors that impact long-term health and stability. No appointment is required, and services are available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

The Sam Morales Community Health Center offers a variety of services in-house, including:

Primary care
Behavioral health services
HIV prevention and treatment
Hepatitis C care
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder
PrEP
Pharmacy support
Care navigation and support for returning citizens

In addition to medical care, the center helps connect patients with benefits, case management, and other social supports that promote successful reentry and overall well-being. By bringing healthcare and supportive services together under one roof, the Sam Morales Community Health Center works to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities experiencing health disparities.

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Head inside for more information, then check below for what's next:

Alberto Alvarez

One of your first priorities is to find somewhere to sleep tonight. When you arrived back in Philadelphia, someone handed you a “Where to Turn” pamphlet in the SEPTA terminal. Take a look at the pamphlet. Does it include any information about area shelters? Because it’s a Saturday morning, your options might be limited. You don’t have a cell phone yet, so you can’t call around. Do any of the shelter options catch your eye?

Now you also realize that you’re getting hungry. Very hungry. People in your position usually have a few options. They might panhandle for spare change or a bite to eat outside of the local sandwich shop, or they might use the “Where to Turn” guide to find a local soup kitchen or food pantry. Many soup kitchens are closed on weekends. Perhaps when you arrive, you can ask the shelter if they have any suggestions.

Pick a shelter that houses men, and visit there next. Hopefully, the shelter can give you a place to stay until you are able to find a more long-term solution. Even better would be a meal to hold you over too.

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

Do you have any fears about sleeping in a shelter? What if the shelter is crowded and you have to risk heat exhaustion outside?
What would you say are the main causes of homelessness? Why?
Have you ever been inside a homeless shelter? Tell the group about your experiences.
How many more stops can you make before you need food and water?

Bret Boone

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

Christopher Caine

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?

Derek Dodd

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

Erik Elkins

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?

Frederick Foreman

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?

Gregory Gadsden

Henry Holmes

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:

Jeremiah Jones

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

Karl Kolinski

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

Michael Mastellone

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:

Nicholas Neary

ANicholas Neary

Patrick Pillman

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

Ralph Reed

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

Salvador Salas

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

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