Fast Facts

• Bethesda Project began in 1979 when a group of volunteers rented an apartment in Center City, Philadelphia, to care for a group of homeless women.

• Today, Bethesda Project operates 15 spaces for Philadelphia’s homeless and formerly homeless men and women. Our services include emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, case management services, and community activities to help each individual reach his or her highest level of self-sufficiency.

• Residents pay portions of rent and participate in regular chores and housekeeping.

• Bethesda Project serves over 2,000 homeless and formerly homeless men and women each year. 


• Bethesda Project spends 89% of each dollar directly on programs and services that support Philadelphia’s homeless and formerly homeless men and women.

• Bethesda Project helps individuals achieve their personal goals.

• Bethesda Project loves volunteers! The Community Life Department coordinates over 3,500 volunteer visits each year. Volunteers are an important part of the Bethesda Project family, building mutually rewarding friendships with housing residents and shelter guests. They cook and serve meals, plan holiday gatherings, collect donations, provide literacy tutoring, paint and decorate residences, and play games, do crafts, garden and cook with residents and guests.

• 65% of Bethesda Project residents have serious medical issues. 60% have mental illnesses. 45% have histories of addiction. And 30% are dual diagnosed with mental illness and addiction. Case managers work with residents to help overcome these challenges.

• Philadelphia faces a housing crisis: the Philadelphia Housing Authority has 100,000 individuals and families on its waiting list for affordable housing.