Dignity Housing

Since our inception, Dignity Housing has demonstrated success in providing both affordable housing and quality social service supports to nearly 2,000 adults and children throughout Philadelphia. We have been recognized by leaders in government and philanthropy, receiving awards and praise from the Fannie Mae Foundation (1993), The Chronicle of Philanthropy (1993), The Enterprise Foundation (1994), The Center for Community Change (1998), and most recently the Preservation Alliance (2004). In total, Dignity Housing has acquired, developed and rehabilitated 150 units of housing throughout the City of Philadelphia, including 29 new units in the last five years.

The Committee for Dignity and Fairness for the Homeless Housing Development, Inc. (Dignity Housing) grew out of the sustained, often controversial, advocacy efforts by Philadelphia's homeless activists during the mid to late 1980's. This period marked a time of extreme homelessness in Philadelphia and nationwide.

In these early years, the prevailing method for addressing the crisis of homelessness was to provide emergency shelter. However, Philadelphia's homeless activists and their allies recognized the limitations of shelter services and rallied local governments for affordable housing and supportive services for the homeless. In 1987 city officials agreed to collaborate with homeless leaders including Dignity's founders, William "Chris" Sprowal, Leona Smith, and now Executive Director Alicia Christian. As a result, in 1988 Dignity Housing was established as the first housing and social services program in the nation founded and guided by homeless people and activists. Over the years, Dignity Housing's commitment to provide comprehensive services for the homeless has advanced with the continued leadership of Ms. Christian and her 17-year partner, Deputy Director Beverly Roberts.

In addition to creating housing, Dignity prides itself in providing supports and opportunities that move tenants beyond homelessness and transitional housing. In 1992 Dignity raised $70,000 to establish the Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund, which has since allowed 83 Dignity tenants the opportunity to complete advanced trade schools, and Associate and Bachelor degree programs from area colleges. Continued fundraising and foundation grants have allowed the Scholarship Fund to provide over $140,000 in scholarship to Dignity adults and youth. Moreover, each year 50% of transitioning tenants move on to permanent housing including fair market and low cost rental, supportive housing, and homeownership.