Housing & Homeless

St John’s Hospice is a drug and alcohol-free emergency shelter/residence for men who are in transition from homelessness to independent living in the community. During the day Saint John’s provides a nutritious and hot noon meal for more than 325 men each weekday as well as case management services, on-site nursing services, daily showers and clothing, and a mailroom service for over 900 men. The Coffee House at St. John’s Hospice provides a safe resting and sleeping environment for an additional 27 chronically homeless men who typically avoid shelter living. The men are provided a warm meal, beverages, and use of the SJH restrooms.

The Good Shepherd Program of St. John’s Hospice provides residential services for medically fragile men experiencing homelessness. This program provides the opportunity for men to stabilize their medical condition and develop plans for a permanent housing arrangement. Good Shepherd has the capacity to house 12 men.

Family Service Centers are the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes when they seek assistance from Catholic Social Services. Five centers are located throughout the five-county metropolitan area. Our family service centers offer support and prenatal care and assistance to either those choosing adoption or those choosing to start their family. Our social service centers provide intake and assessment for individuals and families to assist them in accessing benefits and services. Emergency assistance includes clothing cupboards and food pantries, rent or utility bill assistance, housing referrals, and case management.

Mercy Hospice of Catholic Social Services is a residential program for women in recovery. Our 31-bed program welcomes single women and mothers with children.  Mercy Hospice provides a safe, supportive, and sober environment that allows women to focus on their recovery.  Women receive case management services as well as training and assistance in developing life skills, parenting skills, job readiness, and preparation for independent living.   

In response to the opioid crisis in Philadelphia, the Recovery and Hope webpage provides resources for people suffering from addiction to opioids and other drugs and alcohol and those exhibiting other self-destructive behaviors. The webpage also assists with exploring treatment programs for those afflicted with the disease of addiction.  

Through a partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), CSS assists Afghan Evacuees with pre-arrival and reception services, basic needs support, cultural orientation, language services, finding housing, employment, health care, and case management services. CSS welcomes volunteers and groups that are interested in providing financial, practical, and social support to help these families adjust to their new community and home. Visit Welcome the Newcomer for more information.

CHCS provides a robust senior housing program that enables seniors who are 62 and older to remain active in their communities while enjoying affordable, comfortable, stylish apartment living.  With six buildings throughout Philadelphia, CHCS has created independent senior communities that enable older adults to age in their homes with features specific to their needs such as roll-in showers, emergency pull chords, handrails, and access to an on-site social worker.

Quality of life for our elders is at the heart of the mission of Saint Mary’s Residence.  Located in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia, we provide a safe and affordable home where seniors share life with other seniors on a daily basis.  Each resident is provided a single room, two full meals a day, and opportunities for enrichment while in the company of other seniors. Rent is based on income and applications are available by calling 215-922-4228 or emailing Sister Lisa at sr.libreslin@CHS-ADPHILA.ORG

The housing programs at Chester City provide an array of services to those families in the area that are in need. Coffee Club, a drop-in day program, is available with accessibility to laundry, mail, and shower services. In addition, we extend assistance in providing office services for those in need of sending faxes, printing documents, and navigating area resources.  Parenting and Prenatal support and education are also available at this location. A diaper and infant need pantry are available as well as a Ladies Locker for feminine hygiene products.

Guiding Star Ministries through Catholic Social Services in a partnership with the Pro-life Union of Greater Philadelphia is a home for single, pregnant women and their children under 5 years old and living in Philadelphia. Through counseling, group meetings, and a nurturing faith-based environment, we try to help our residents work toward total independence. During their stay, mothers must pursue employment or education. Our aim for every resident is to build a solid foundation of faith and responsibility that will help them become successful.

McAuley House provides transitional housing for women who are medically fragile and experiencing homelessness. This program provides the opportunity for 6 women to stabilize their medical condition and develop plans for a permanent housing arrangement for the future.

Catholic Social Services continues its commitment to homelessness prevention by providing limited rent, mortgage, and utility assistance and connection to resources to Philadelphia families who have past due payments and who have exhausted all other resources.  Documentation of past due payments is required.

Please contact the CSS Helpline at 267-331-2490 or csshelp@chs-adphila.org for resources and additional information regarding assistance.