Pew is investing nearly $7M in supports for Philly’s vulnerable adults

When we talk about ending the cycle of poverty, we’re often making reference to interventions that curb generational poverty.

That’s to say, families that have experienced poverty for over two generations: Children in poverty have higher odds of becoming adults in poverty who raise children in poverty, and so forth.

Last year, The Pew Fund for Health and Human Services invested over $8.5M in 45 Philadelphia nonprofits combating the effects of childhood poverty. This year, the fund is granting $6.8 million to 41 local nonprofits providing support for vulnerable adults, i.e. individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment and mental health issues.

The $6.98 million will fund organizations working on three primary objectives identified by Pew:

1. To enable low-skilled, unemployed, and underemployed adults to obtain and retain sustainable, competitive employment — These are organizations such as Center for Employment Opportunities, which works with returning citizens, and Community Learning Center, which provides adult literacy training.
2. To improve behavioral health outcomes for vulnerable adults through the use of evidence-informed approaches — Grantees include Women Against Abuse, which serves victims of domestic abuse (and was recently named a Lipman Family Prize finalist, too), and Esperanza Health Center, which provides behavioral health services for North Philly’s low-income population.
3. To strengthen the ability of vulnerable adults with multiple and complex needs to move to independence and stability in the community — The majority of these agencies, such as Bethesda Project, Broad Street Ministry and Horizon House, serve Philadelphia’s homelessness population.

“The Philadelphia region is home to large numbers of people in need, including adults facing unemployment and behavioral health issues,” said Frazierita Klasen, Pew’s Philadelphia VP. “Pew is very pleased to support these agencies that are making a difference every day through their compassion and commitment to evidence-based best practices.”

See the full list of grantees here.