The Bridge

Hand2Paw Program
Contact: (215) 800-5030, [email protected]
Website: https://hand2paw.org
Services: Paid workforce development programs, animal care training, workplace readiness, financial literacy, social-emotional skill development, community leadership, and career exploration in animal welfare.
Programs:
Unleashing Opportunities (UO): Six-month paid internship for ages 18–24 featuring classroom learning, hands-on animal care, workforce development, and externship opportunities.
Pawspurr: Six-week program for ages 15–24 focused on animal care, workplace readiness, teamwork, and career exploration.
Eligibility: Case-by-case. Certain offense histories may affect eligibility depending on placement requirements or partner site restrictions, but there are no blanket exclusions. Youth and young adults ages 15–24, including returning citizens. Referrals are welcomed but not required. Referral Link: https://forms.gle/LbNtC66Bx6LpnY8C7
Service Area: Primarily Philadelphia (Enrollment is limited by cohort capacity. Interested individuals should complete the interest form on Hand2Paw's website to be notified when recruitment opens.)
Last Verified: July 4, 2026

Uplift Solutions
Contact: (833) 875-4389, [email protected]
Website: upliftsolutions.org
Address: 2221 W. Venango St., Suite 101, Philadelphia, PA 19140 (Co-located with PLSE)
Services: Workforce development, job readiness training, life skills training, case management, employment placement assistance, and reentry support for justice-impacted individuals.
Eligibility: Justice-impacted adults (18+) including returning citizens. Any gender. (Age requirement confirmed directly by program staff.)
Service Area: Primarily Philadelphia; individuals residing in other counties may apply. (Confirmed directly by program staff.)
How to access: Complete the TRAX Referral Form: https://bit.ly/Upliftrefferalform. Program staff requested that referrals be submitted through the referral form rather than through direct staff contact.
Exclusions: Sex offenses and arson offenses. (Confirmed directly by program staff.)
Notes: Program is currently active and accepting new participants. Cohort-based enrollment may limit immediate openings. (Confirmed directly by program staff.)
Last Verified: July 4, 2026

JEVS – Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Re-entry
Contact: (267) 238-3959
Services: Violence intervention and reentry support for justice-involved youth and young adults.
Eligibility: Ages 16–29 (exceptions may be made); male and female participants accepted.
Service Area: Philadelphia and Montgomery County only. (Not Delaware County)
Exclusions: None reported; offense history does not automatically disqualify applicants.
How to access: Referral required. Contact the D&R Program Assistant for referral information. (Number listed above)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

JEVS – Project WOW
Contact: (215) 728-4444, [email protected]
Address: 2770 Red Lion Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Services: High school diploma completion and Property Maintenance & Repair certification through Orleans Technical College.
Eligibility: Philadelphia residents ages 17–24. Returning citizens welcome. Proof of Philadelphia residency required.
Service Area: Philadelphia County only.
Exclusions: Offense history reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Notes: Direct contact or referral accepted.
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Philadelphia OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center)
Contact: (215) 236-7700
Address: 1231 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Services: GED/HiSET preparation, vocational training programs, workforce development, job readiness training, career coaching, and reentry support services (program availability varies by cohort and funding cycle).
Eligibility: Adults 18+. Primarily serves low-income, underemployed, and justice-involved individuals. Philadelphia residents preferred.
Service Area: Philadelphia County (primary); Delaware County residents may apply on a case-by-case basis depending on program availability.
Exclusions: Eligibility determined through assessment; certain offenses may impact participation or placement depending on program requirements and employer partner restrictions.
Notes: Intake via phone or online inquiry followed by assessment and placement into available training cohorts. Programs are cohort-based and availability varies.
Last Verified: July 4, 2026

Horizon House – Coordinated Entry
Contact: (610) 328-1306 ext. 31131
Address: 1601 Parklane Rd, Upper Level, Swarthmore, PA 19081
Services: HUD Coordinated Entry housing assessment site. Provides vulnerability screening, homelessness intake, and referrals to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing programs in Delaware County.
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness; prioritization based on standardized vulnerability assessment
Service Area: Delaware County only
Exclusions: None (eligibility is based on housing status and vulnerability, not criminal history)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Delaware County Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program
Contact: (610) 876-2521 ext. 214
Address: 1855 Constitution Ave #1, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Services: HUD-funded Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program providing rental assistance in the private housing market. Participants pay approximately 30% of income toward rent, with subsidy paid to landlords.
Eligibility: Must meet HUD income guidelines and Delaware County Housing Authority program requirements; includes very low-income households, elderly, and disabled individuals. Placement typically via waiting list.
Service Area: Delaware County only
Exclusions: Determined by HUD/DCHA program rules (not publicly listed)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

CityTeam Chester (Emergency Shelter)
Contact: (610) 872-6865
Address: 634 Sproul Street, Chester, PA 19013
Services: Temporary emergency shelter (overnight), meals, and basic supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Eligibility: Adult men (18+) Program-specific intake; subject to capacity and screening at arrival.
Service Area: Delaware County and the surrounding region (primary access point in Chester)
Exclusions: Determined at intake based on program rules
How to access: Daily walk-in evening intake (7:30 PM – 8:00 PM). Admission is first-come, first-served and capacity-limited. (~36 beds) Beds are not guaranteed and may fill before the end of intake hours.
Last Verified: July 1, 2026

United Way of Pennsylvania – 211
Contact: 211 (24/7 hotline)
Services: Information and referrals for housing, emergency shelters, utility assistance, food assistance, mental health services, domestic violence resources, disaster assistance, legal services, and other community resources.
Eligibility: Anyone seeking community resources or assistance.
Service Area: Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia and Delaware County)
Exclusions: None listed.
Notes: Free, confidential 24/7 information and referral service. Can connect callers to local providers and emergency resources. Average wait times may vary.
Last Verified: July 4, 2026

Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) – Housing Services
Contact: (610) 874-8451 (stay on the line for the operator)
Address: 1414 Meetinghouse Rd, Boothwyn, PA 19061
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, rental assistance, security deposit assistance, coordinated entry assessment, case management, and housing referrals.
Eligibility: Delaware County residents only. Must be able to verify Delaware County residency, even if currently homeless. Shelter available for men and women based on bed availability.
Service Area: Delaware County only.
Exclusions: Sex offenses reviewed on a case-by-case basis (staff-confirmed; not published on website).
Notes: Housing assessments are conducted Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM without an appointment. Call or visit for assessment. Shelter placement is based on availability.
Last Verified: June 16, 2026

The Healn Space
Contact: (215) 845-1858, [email protected]
Address: 6600 Lincoln Dr, Door A-9, Philadelphia, PA, 19119
Services: Virtual therapy; trauma-informed coaching; men's groups
Eligibility: Pennsylvania residents
Service Area: Serves Philadelphia and Delaware County
Exclusions: Violent offenses (case-by-case), Sexual Assault, Megan's Law
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Community Council Health Systems
Contact: (215) 473-7033
Address: 4900 Wyalusing Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Services: Child, adolescent, adult, and family behavioral health; outpatient therapy; school-based services; case management
Eligibility: Medicaid and commercial insurance; based on clinical need and referral
Service Area: Philadelphia County only
Exclusions: None publicly listed (Varies by program)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Gaudenzia Treatment & Referral Helpline
Contact: (833) 976-4357
Services: 24/7 intake, screening, and referral line connecting individuals to Gaudenzia substance use and mental health treatment programs including detox, residential, outpatient, and recovery services. Does not provide direct treatment.
Eligibility: Determined during intake; varies by program (generally adults seeking substance use or co-occurring disorder treatment placement)
Service Area: Pennsylvania statewide; also coordinates placements into Gaudenzia programs in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C.
Exclusions: None (Program-specific restrictions may apply after referral)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Gaudenzia Re-entry House
Contact: (215) 849-7200
Address: 2100 W Venango St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Services: Low-intensity residential substance use treatment (halfway house), including counseling, case management, recovery support, and reentry services for adult men.
Eligibility: Adult men only (18+)
Service Area: Primarily Philadelphia County (CBH referral system); other counties only via approved funding or placement exceptions
Exclusions: Determined case-by-case; certain criminal histories (including some violent or sexual offenses) may be excluded depending on program and funding requirements
Last Verified: June 23, 2026

Delaware County Public Defender's Office – Diversion & Reentry Unit
Contact: (610) 891-4000
Website: https://www.delcodefenders.org
Address: 220 North Jackson Street, Media, PA 19063
Services: Free legal representation for individuals who cannot afford a private attorney. The Diversion & Reentry Unit specifically supports individuals navigating diversion programs, reentry planning, and connection to community resources.
Eligibility: Available to Delaware County residents who financially qualify for public defense services. Contact the office directly to ask about available reentry support and whether you qualify.
Service Area: Delaware County only
Exclusions: None — need to be financially eligible
Last Verified: July 27, 2026

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA)
Contact: (215) 981-3800
Website: https://philalegal.org
Address: 718 Arch St, Suite 300N, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Services: Free civil legal aid covering housing, public benefits, family law, immigration, employment, and other civil legal issues not handled by Community Legal Services.
Eligibility: Low-income Philadelphia residents.
Service Area: Philadelphia County only.
Exclusions: Criminal defense cases not handled.
Last Verified: Pending verification...

Community Legal Services (CLS)
Contact: (215) 981-3700
Website: https://clsphila.org
Addresses:
1424 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Center City Office)
1410 W Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 (North Philadelphia Law Center)
Services: Free civil legal aid including housing (evictions), public benefits (SNAP, SSI, Medicaid), employment/wage theft, utilities, and criminal record sealing/expungement assistance.
Eligibility: Low-income Philadelphia residents only (generally ≤125% federal poverty level); must have a civil legal issue.
Service Area: Philadelphia County only
Exclusions: Criminal defense cases not handled; eligibility based on income and residency only (not criminal history, gender, or age)
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE)
Contact: (267) 519-5323
Website: https://plsephilly.org
Address: 2221 W. Venango St., Suite 101, Philadelphia, PA 19140 (Co-located with Uplift Solutions)
Services: Free legal representation and clinics for criminal record clearing, including expungements (including non-convictions), pardons, and fair employment issues related to criminal records.
Eligibility: Low-income Philadelphia residents or individuals with Philadelphia criminal cases; Pennsylvania state-level records only (no federal or out-of-state cases). No age restriction.
Service Area: Philadelphia County
How to access: By scheduling online, virtual appointments and community legal clinics. No walk-ins.
Exclusions: Federal and out-of-state cases not accepted
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Delco Food Project
Contact: (484) 841-7882
Address: St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Lamp Post Ln, Aston, PA
Hours: Thursdays 12pm–5pm
Services: Food pantry and emergency grocery distribution
Eligibility: No ID required
Service Area: Delaware County
Exclusions: No delivery
Notes: Walk-in distribution; first-come, first-serve
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Philabundance
Contact: (215) 339-0900
Address: 3616 S Galloway St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Services: Food assistance referrals, food pantry locator, emergency food resources, and hunger relief through partner agencies.
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Service Area: Philadelphia, Delaware County, and surrounding counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.
Exclusions: None listed.
Notes: Philabundance does not generally distribute food directly to the public from its warehouses. Call or use the Find Food Map to locate a partner pantry or food distribution site.
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Share Food Program
Contact: (215) 223-2220
Address: 2901 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Services: Food assistance referrals, food distribution, senior food programs, pantry partnerships, and connection to local food resources.
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Some programs have additional eligibility requirements.
Service Area: Philadelphia County, Delaware County, and surrounding areas.
Exclusions: None listed.
Notes: Call for referral to local food pantries and distribution sites. Partner pantry locations and schedules vary.
Last Verified: June 24, 2026

Why I Built ThisI grew up in Chester, PA, and saw firsthand how hard the first months after release can be — not because people don't want to succeed, but because the information they need to get back on their feet is scattered, outdated, or hard to find. I built this directory to make it easier for returning citizens and the people supporting them to find verified resources during that critical first stretch after release. This directory is not an official program of any government agency or organization, though I am currently a happy intern with the Delaware County Public Defender's Office! This is also my first time building a website from scratch, so please bear with any rough edges.How Listings Are VerifiedEvery organization listed here was contacted directly. I called them by phone or email to confirm current program details: eligibility requirements, service area, phone numbers, and any exclusions. This isn't a database pulled from public listings; it's built from direct conversations with each organization.That said, this is a one-person project, and program details can change faster than any single directory can track. Each listing will show a "last verified" date so you know how current the information is.What This Directory Is (and Isn't)The Bridge currently covers organizations serving Philadelphia and Delaware County, organized into six categories: Employment and Opportunity, Housing, Mental Health, Legal Aid, Food, and Substance Use.This directory is not comprehensive — it reflects the organizations verified so far, not every resource available in the region. It is also not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or case management advice. If you're working with a case manager, parole officer, or attorney, use this as a starting point for a conversation with them, not a replacement for it.Project Status and Update ScheduleI'm genuinely curious to see where this goes, but I also know I won't be able to sustain it indefinitely. Other commitments, such as research, coursework, and upcoming graduate school applications, mean I can't commit to ongoing re-verification.This directory will remain live as a static reference. Information will not be systematically re-verified after August 2026. However, if you find outdated information, use the request/correction form to flag it. These are reviewed and updated on a rolling basis.Flag an Error or Suggest a ListingFound something outdated, or know an organization that should be listed? Use the Request or Correct a Listing form. New submissions and corrections are reviewed and verified before being added or changed. Thank you for your help!

AcknowledgmentsSpecial thanks to YSRP and the Delaware County Public Defender's Office for their valuable insight into this project.

delcodefenders.org

With thanks to the staff and organizations who offered helpful context during early research for this project.

A Note on AccuracyInformation may change. Please confirm details directly with the organization before relying on them.Contact
Email: [email protected]