It Begins with HOME: The Power of Permanent Supportive Housing
For years, a grandmother found herself riding the El through the night, never knowing when she’d next feel safe enough to sleep. That changed when permanent supportive housing offered her not just the security of a front door, but a welcoming community—neighbors who would invite her to play cards in the community room and share everyday joys. A veteran, once overwhelmed by panic attacks, discovered relief through regular visits with a nurse practitioner who helped manage medications and reconnect with primary care, restoring a sense of stability and hope. Meanwhile, a young artist, once uncertain of their future, now proudly hangs paintings on their bedroom wall and has rediscovered confidence through art classes at the local community college. These stories illustrate the transformative power of permanent supportive housing—a model shaped by the voices and needs of those it serves, evolving since its formal recognition by HUD in 1987 and strengthened by the Housing First approach of the 2000s.
From the poor houses of the 1700s to the landmark McKinney-Vento Act of 1987, homelessness policy has continually evolved to reflect society’s changing values and needs. As these policies continue to shift, it is essential to listen to those directly affected, to service providers, and communities to ensure that effective solutions are both preserved and developed.
One proven solution behind Project HOME’s success is permanent supportive housing. This model works because it is shaped by the voices of residents, and frontline staff. Stable housing, paired with tailored services—mental health care, recovery support, and job training—reflects what people say they need to thrive.
Consider your own experience finding a home: you sought out services and community—schools, jobs, stores, and proximity to loved ones. For those experiencing homelessness, these supports are just as important, but not as easily accessible. Permanent supportive housing bridges that gap, offering safe, affordable homes with wraparound services that address the root causes of homelessness. This approach restores dignity and fosters independence. National studies and our own experience confirm that when people have a stable home and access to services, they can rebuild their lives.
Don’t get me wrong. Innovation in homeless policy is necessary, and Project HOME has always led the way—partnering with the City of Philadelphia to create the first coordinated outreach program, launching the Hub of Hope, opening young adult housing, and pioneering new approaches to the opioid epidemic. Yet, even these efforts rely on a strong foundation of permanent supportive housing, which enables people to build community, access services, and begin a path toward stability.
At Project HOME, we’ve seen the power of permanent supportive housing. We’ve seen residents begin to believe that homelessness is solvable. To do so, we must remain thoughtful and responsive to the needs of those we serve, adapting without losing sight of what works. Together, we can ensure that Philadelphia remains a city where everyone has a place to call home. Permanent supportive housing saves lives, strengthens communities, and creates a future where hope is not a privilege but a promise. It begins with HOME.
