Two organizations are teaming up in a new initiative to fight against poverty in South Philadelphia.
The South Philadelphia Community Fund was created by Diversified Community Services and United Communities, and aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by supporting local families.
Diversified Community Services, which serves nearly 8,000 families in Point Breeze, and United Communities, which began as a shelter at 7th and Catharine streets, will serve clients both online and in person, providing access to benefits including housing counseling, educational workshops, direct assistance, expungement and pardon services for the rest of the year.
The new initiative is the latest of several programs that Diversified has created in South Philly, including the Two Generation Strategy in 2015, which is a comprehensive approach that addresses the short-term impact of family financial stability through workforce training and the long-term impact of quality early child care education on family self-sufficiency.
“As one of the oldest social services agencies supporting low-income families in Philadelphia, we know all too well that research shows that family economic circumstances require five generations to reverse,” said Otis Bullock, executive director of Diversified Community Services. “Our strategy simultaneously supports two generations by providing parents the resources to build financially stable households and help their children to be better learners.”
South Philly residents can apply for assistance or learn more about the South Philadelphia Community Fund at https://www.dcsphila.org/ or by calling 215-336-5505.
