In 2023 – Almost ten years after this original page post – Philadelphia is still in crisis with the issue of homeless youth. Currently Arc of Safety is helping. Glad to have participated in the November 2023 Diabolique charity. Read more:
https://whyy.org/programs/young-unhoused-unseen-homeless/
2015-2016: “The needs of homeless and runaway youth in Philadelphia exceed the ability of the city to meet them”. Al Jazeera on the crisis of homeless youth.
2017 SAFE Haven: Project SAFE doing its part to bring sex workers out of the shadows | philadelphiaweekly.com
The programs listed here provide (as of spring 2015 – 2017) support services and basic necessities. Please – Communicate back with updates or community changes. This list can also be printed (6 pages) for distribution to those who might need it.
Philly’s invisible youth | Al Jazeera America http://projects.aljazeera.com/2015/12/homeless-youth/Sleeping | Healthcare | Drop-in Centers | Food | Computer access | Legal Services | Domestic violence/Abuse | Art and Education |
Sleeping
Covenant House Offers emergency shelter for youth 18 to 21 years old. Services include an on-site health clinic, case management and education and vocational services. Walk-ins accepted. No ID required. Open 24/7. Address: 31 E. Armat Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. Phone: (215) 951-5411 or (888) 829-1249
Pathways PA Offers emergency shelter for girls 13 to 17 years old. Drop-in lounge for girls open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Address: 5013 Hazel Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Phone: 215-397-4287
PEC/Gloria’s Place Offers emergency shelter for women 18+ years old who are pregnant or with children; youth referred by DHS. Services include food, clothing, healthcare, school supplies, books, play spaces for kids, library and computer lab. ID, social security card and birth certificate required. Open 24/7.
Address: 3902 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: 267-777-5867
Youth Emergency Service (YES) Offers emergency shelter for youth 12 to 17 years old for up to 21 days. Services include crisis management, family mediation, referral services, medical care on Mondays, counseling on Tuesdays, food and clothing. Walk-ins accepted. No ID required. Youth are required to fill out paperwork for services and parents are notified within 72 hours of arrival. Open 24/7. Address: 1526 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Phone: 215-787-0633
Healthcare
Mazzoni Center An LGBT-focused drop-in clinic for youth 14 to 24 years old that offers free medical care, family planning services, HIV testing and counseling, food, subway tokens, hygiene kits, assistance with benefit applications and housing, mental health, education and job referrals. Clinic offers PrEP, a pill taken once a day that in 90 percent of cases will prevent you from becoming HIV+. No ID required but youth are required to fill out paperwork and consent forms to access medical care. Physicals, primary care and trans care require parental consent. Family planning services do not require parental permission. Hours: Wednesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Address: 809 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Planned Parenthood Health Clinic Offers free services (for youth under 18) including birth control, family planning services, pregnancy tests, HIV and STD testing. Parental permission not required to receive services. Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Fridays 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Address: 1144 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-351-5560
Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) Runs a needle exchange program that offers safer sex and injection supplies, on-site medical services, confidential HIV testing & counseling, Hepatitis C screenings, opiate overdose prevention trainings with naloxone distribution, suboxone program and case management for youth 18+ years old. No ID required. Hours and locations for medical clinics: Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 2913-15 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134; Thursdays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at N. 11th Street & W. Indiana Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133. Hours and locations for syringe exchange: Mondays and Tuesdays 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at 2913 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134; Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 13th & Washington Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147; Thursdays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at N. 11th Street & W. Indiana Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133; Fridays 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at 2913 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134; Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. at 3rd & Girard (Health Center #6), Philadelphia, PA 19123, and 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 10th & Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Phone: 215-634-5272
Project SAFE An outreach and delivery program for women and girls on the street that offers safer sex supplies and harm reduction supplies; distributes advisories about men who have recently raped or attacked women; transports women who have been raped or attacked to the hospital and assists them with filing police reports. No ID required. 24-Hour Hotline: 1-866-509-SAFE (7233)
Stephen Klein Wellness Center Offers primary medical care, psychiatric services, nurse care management, counseling, on-site legal counseling and assistance with applying for health insurance benefits. No ID required. Parental permission required if issue is unrelated to pregnancy or STD. Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays until 7 p.m. Address: 2144 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121. Phone: 215-320-6187
Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP) Health center for youth 13 to 24 years old that offers primary care (including vaccines), HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, pelvic and breast exams, PAPs, birth control, pregnancy testing, HPV screening and emergency contraceptive (the morning-after pill). Clinic also offers PrEP, a pill taken once a day that in 90 percent of cases will prevent you from becoming HIV+. No appointment, insurance, or ID required. Youth are expected to complete an intake packet during their first visit. Hours: Mondays 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (dial 302 on the call box to be buzzed in for the Health Center). Address: 1417 Locust Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-344-1632 ext. 358
Drop-in centers
Achieving Independence Center (AIC) A communal space for DHS/foster care youth 14 to 21 years old. Offers coaching and help with education, employment, computer literacy, housing and life skills. Only youth in DHS care or foster care placement on or after their 14th birthday are eligible for services. No ID required. Youth must complete paperwork for services. Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Address: 1415 North Broad Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Phone: 215-574-9194
Attic Youth Center Drop-in center for LGBT youth 14 to 23 years old. Services offered include food and subway tokens, support groups (transgender group, relationship group), activity groups (career readiness, academic enrichment, arts and culture, youth leadership, health and wellness), job and internship opportunities, case management (for housing and medical care), free and confidential HIV testing and safer sex supplies. No ID required. Hours: Mondays-Tuesdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesdays-Fridays 3 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Address: 255 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-545-4331
Eddie’s House Offers access to phones, computers, printers, faxes and mail for youth 18 to 25 years old. Provides food, clothes, book bags, school supplies, toiletries, support groups, tutors and meals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. No ID required. Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Tuesdays 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 5100 & 5101 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Phone: 215-301-3273
Project SAFE /Prevention Point Philadelphia Offers safe space, food, harm reduction supplies, showers and laundry for women and girls. No ID required. Hours: Tuesdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 2913 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134.
Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP) A drop-in center for youth 13 to 24 years old. Offers a safe space and 1 to 2 meals per day, shower access, laundry services, personal care items (socks, underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, tampons, maxi pads, deodorant, etc.), clothing, emergency food cupboard, safer sex supplies and subway tokens. Activities offered include art therapy, trans support groups, music exercises job search classes, educational workshops and various types of support and discussion groups. No ID required. Youth are expected to complete an intake packet at their first visit. Hours: Mondays from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesdays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Fridays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dial 301 on the call box to be buzzed in for the Drop-In Center. Address: 1417 Locust Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-564-6388
Food
Attic Youth Center Serves snacks and dinner for LGBT youth 14 to 23 years old.
Hours: Monday-Friday at 5:15 p.m. Address: 255 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-545-4331
Broad Street Ministry Services include all meals, laundry, personal care items and mail services. No ID required. Hours for mail pick-up: Mondays 8 – 11 a.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Fridays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meal hours: Mondays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.; Saturdays 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Social services hours: Mondays 8 – 11 a.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursdays 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fridays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Saturdays 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 315 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-735-4847
Church of the Advocate Services include lunch and clothing distribution.
Hours: Mondays-Fridays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Address: 1801 West Diamond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121. Phone: 215-978-8000 or 215-236-0568
Eddie’s House Services include food pantry and dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for youth 18 to 25 years old. Address: 5100 & 5101 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Phone: 215-301-3273
St. Francis Inn Serves breakfast and dinner. Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.; Mondays-Thursdays 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 2441 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Phone: 215-423-5845
Thea Bowman Women’s Center Services include meals (breakfast and lunch), showers and laundry (Wednesdays and Fridays) and support groups for women (on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.). Hours: Tuesdays-Fridays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Address: 2858 Kensington Avenue (one block north of Somerset), Philadelphia, PA 19134. Phone: 215-739-1137
University City Hospitality Coalition Services include meals, medical, dental and legal clinics on Wednesday evenings; clothing and toiletries and mail pick-up for youth. Meal hours and locations: Sundays 6 p.m. at 215 South 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Mondays 6 p.m. at 38th & Chestnut (St. Agatha-St. James), Philadelphia, PA 19104; Wednesdays 6 p.m. at 38th & Chestnut (St. Agatha-St. James), Philadelphia, PA 19104; Thursdays 6 p.m. at 3916 Locust Walk (St. Mary’s Church), Philadelphia, PA 19104; Fridays 6 p.m. at 42nd and Pine Streets (Woodland Presbyterian Church), Philadelphia, PA 19104; Saturdays 12 p.m. at 3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Address: PMB 410, 3720 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.Phone: 610-203-4538
Read feature article by Project SAFE Founder Laura Rena Murray on
MORE RESOURCES / Computer access
Attic Youth Center Offers access to computers, printers and wifi for LGBT youth 14 to 23 years old. Address: 255 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-545-4331
Eddie’s House Offers computer access, multimedia lab (music, movies and website development) and computer basics training for youth 18 to 25 years old. No ID required. Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturdays 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Address: 5100 & 5101 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Phone: 215-301-3273
Youth Health Empowerment Project Runs a computer lab for youth 13 to 24 years old.
Hours: Mondays 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Tuesdays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Fridays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Address: 1417 Locust Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (dial 301 on the call box to be buzzed in for the computer lab). Phone: 215-564-6388
Legal services
blog note: no organizations provide legal information pertaining to sex work unless you are in rescue or reporting trafficking
Community Legal Services Provides free legal services to low-income people, including youth, related to issues of employment, expungement of criminal records, SSI disability, food stamps, medical assistance, utility shut-offs, eviction and defense against illegal debt collection. No ID required. Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (some services are restricted to special hours; call for more information). Address: 1424 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; 1410 W. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Phone: 215-981-3700
Education Law Center Provides free legal services, advocacy, consultations and advice to ensure access to school for homeless youth. Address: 1315 Walnut Street, 4th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-238-6970
Homeless Advocacy Project Provides free legal aid, advice & referrals for services, and on-going representation & advocacy for homeless individuals on different dates at local shelters. Walk-ins accepted at scheduled hours. Phone: 215-523-9595 or 1-800-837-2672 for an appointment.
Mazzoni Center Provides free legal assistance for low-income LGBT individuals. Call to schedule an appointment. No ID required. Phone: 215-563-0657 or 1-866-LGBT-LAW; 215-563-0652. Hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 21 S 12th Street, 12th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Philadelphia Legal Assistance Provides free legal services to low-income individuals. For legal problems related to custody, support or protection from abuse, there are no walk-ins; instead, call the Family Law intake line. Non-U.S. citizens should bring their legal permanent resident card or other documentation of immigration status.
Hours: Walk-ins accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Telephone intake hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. For the Family Law intake line, call 215-981-3838 on Monday or Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Address: The Cast Iron Building, 718 Arch Street, Suite 300N, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Phone: 215-981-3800
Domestic Violence/Abuse
Women Against Abuse Offers emergency safe havens, transitional housing, community-based support services, trauma-informed behavioral health care, legal representation, hotline counseling and advocacy for victims of domestic violence. Counselors can provide safety planning and crisis intervention without ID or parental permission. Address: 100 S Broad Street, Suite 1341, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Phone: 1-866-723-3014
Women Organized Against Rape WOAR Services for sexual assault victims include advocacy, free counseling and education. Address: 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Phone: 215-985-3333 (24-Hour Crisis Hotline)
Art and Education programs
Achieving Independence Center (AIC) Offers GED and high school coaching, assistance enrolling in college or vocational school, computer literacy, employment/career planning and housing services for current and former DHS or foster care youth 14 to 21 years old. Only youth in DHS care or foster care on or after their 14th birthday are eligible. No ID required. Youth must complete paperwork for services. Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Address: 1415 North Broad Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Phone: 215-574-9194
Attic Youth Center Offers dance, theater, screen-printing, mural arts and poetry groups for LGBTQ youth 14 to 23 years old. Also offers paid internships, academic enrichment groups (writing, poetry, history, etc.), tutoring and homework assistance, resumé development, mentoring help with high school completion, college enrollment, scholarship applications and career planning.
Address: 255 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215-545-4331
Honickman Learning Center Offers adult education classes, G.E.D. prep, financial aid assistance, college entrance prep and tutoring services. No ID required. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 1936 N. Judson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121. Phone: 215-235-2900
Intercultural Family Services, Inc Offers internships as well as violin, piano, guitar, vocal arts, hip-hop dance, martial arts, sewing and African drumming classes. Address: 4225 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-386-1298 ext. 288
La Puerta Abierta/The Open Door Offers free visual arts and storytelling workshops, gardening programs and mentorship for newly arrived uninsured immigrant youth. All services provided in Spanish. Children younger than 14 must have parental permission to receive services. Address: 2141 North Howard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Phone: 610-745-1952
Mural Arts Offers free year-round art instruction for youth 10 to 22 years old (introductory, intermediate and advanced levels) as well as summertime jobs and internships. Address: 1727-29 Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Phone: 215-685-0750
POPPYN Internships: Apply at whatspoppyn@gmail.com. Offers internships at a youth-produced news show that covers issues and initiatives that affect young people in Philly. POPPYN broadcasts on the local public access channel, and in high school and college classrooms. Based at the University Community Collaborative at Temple University. Address: Gladfelter Hall, 4th floor, 1115 West Berks Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Phone: 215-204-6276
Content current as of December 2015 by Laura Rena Murray for Al Jazeera America
Visiting the state capital. M. Dante – a former transient teen and young adult herself – visiting Harrisburg Spring/Summer 2016 with People’s Emergency Center (PEC), Philadelphia Housing Alliance and Home Matters America. An advocate for youth housing, it is to be noted that sex workers and sex trade survivors are not included in the housing access categories in the commonwealth general assembly findings leading to House Resolution 550 on Homelessness in Pennsylvania: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions.
Worker Survivor Community Archive 
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