PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 27, 2023–People’s Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc. announced their plan to integrate into one agency in November 2019. The two non-profit organizations officially began operating as a single organization, named HopePHLTM (pronounced “hopeful”) on January 1, 2023.
The merger marked the conclusion of a three-year integration process that blended staff, organizational culture, and programs into a new comprehensive service organization for families, youth, and children across Philadelphia. Together, they were recognized for 120 combined years of service excellence in 2022.
HopePHL’s mission is to inspire Philadelphia’s children, youth, families, and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being.
“Together, we’ll deliver many of the same services and some new programs, supporting over 25,000 community members, residents, and students annually to reach their goals of safe homes, economically secure and healthy families, and thriving students and businesses,” said Kathy Desmond, President of HopePHL, who led PEC for the past seven years. She is a child welfare and social work expert with three decades of experience in the non-profit sector.
The two agencies have already partnered for several years on parenting programs, respite shelters for young children and services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. “As a combined entity, we can better share our complementary programs and expand services by combining our resources and leveraging each organization’s specialized expertise,” said Gwen Bailey, Vice President of Programs at HopePHL. Bailey, led YSI as Executive Director since 2004 but first joined the agency in 1988.
HopePHL is committed to advancing equity and ending systemic racism. They seek to amplify diverse voices and champion issues of inequity, including accessible quality education, healthcare, safety, and justice. Program offerings include:
Children’s Services, supporting the well-being, development, and education of children from birth through high school in shelters, the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood, and at partnering School District of Philadelphia schools.
Young Adult Services, offering respite, housing, education and access to technology, and support services for youth and young adults–experiencing homelessness, financial instability, and traumatic events.
Adult & Family Services, providing housing, social services, empowerment, reunification, and home visiting programs for families.
Community-Based Services such as homelessness prevention, art and culture programs, food relief, Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor support, and many other resources.
Resident-Driven Community Development programs supporting real estate development, affordable housing, and partnerships with city and state agencies.
Policy & Systems Advocacy initiatives, driving systems change to elevate issues impacting individuals and families at risk of or who are currently experiencing homelessness.
For more information, visit HopePHL.org, contact Trish Downey at tdowney@hopephl.org, or join their community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About HopePHLTM: HopePHL’s mission is to inspire Philadelphia’s children, youth, families, and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being. Our work impacts 25,000 people a year in Philadelphia. Visit HopePHL.org.
