Strengthening Communities is a program run by the nonprofit Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) and TURN. Its purpose is to rapidly move families from emergency shelter to housing stability. The Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) makes referrals for the 150 families targeted for the program.

Once families are referred by OSH their situation is analyzed by University of Pennsylvania staff to label them either Level 1 or 2, depending on how many obstacles they face. Level 1 families face one or more of these problems: poor or no rental or credit history, disability, children over the age of 14, or are a single-parent family. Level 2 families face one or more of these problems: have an open Department of Human Services case, history of inpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment, a head of household with a history of foster care placement, or a head of household with one or more misdemeanor convictions.

TURN will then provide funds for rent, utilities, and a security deposit for a rental property, ideally within 72 hours of the family entering the shelter. For Level 1 families TURN provides first and last rent along with other subsidies, and helps establish a landlord/tenant relationship. Level 2 families can receive additional funds and help with their landlord.

JEVS provides case management services which are focused on helping the family attain self-sufficiency. Counselors work with families to identify what they need to do in order to overcome obstacles like debt, lack of employment, and poor credit. Workshops and seminars are also offered on topics like home ownership, credit repair, career building, tenant rights, predatory lending, and employment placement services.

One Neighborhood developed this summary. If you are an employee of JEVS or TURN, contact hello@oneneighborhood.org to update this page.