Catholic Housing and Community Services

Exciting news at Catholic Housing and Community Services! Seniors have begun signing their leases for Father Augustus Tolton Place, our new senior housing community for independent seniors in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia.

Our senior housing programs enable seniors to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, stylish apartment living. Learn more➡️ https://chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-housing/

We are pleased to announce Catholic Housing and Community Services has been awarded tax credit allocations of more than $16.1 million for the development of Saint Katharine Drexel Place, an affordable housing community for independent seniors in Northeast Philadelphia! These funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The development is adjacent to Archbishop Ryan High School and involves the substantial rehabilitation of the former three-story school friary building as well as the construction of a new three-story addition. Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide 48 one-bedroom units of service-enriched affordable housing and is being designed by CBP Architects.

Below is a rendering of Saint Katharine Drexel Place (CBP Architects).

Read more ➡️ https://archphila.org/catholic-housing-and-community-services-awarded-tax-credit-allocations-for-saint-katharine-drexel-place/

Prayerful congratulations to Kimberly Beatty, Center Director at St Edmond Senior Community Center, who was recognized by Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Young at the 185 Community Day in Elmwood Park!

Along with other members of the Legislative District 185, Kim was recognized for making an impact in the district and for her dedication and commitment to strengthening the neighborhood. She was honored for her wonderful service and outreach at St. Edmond’s, operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services.

Thank you to the special group of volunteers from Catholic HEART Workcamp who spent part of their week at Saint Francis Villa and Nativity BVM Senior Community Center helping out and spending time with our seniors!

Norris Square Senior Community Center's Grupo Algeria had the opportunity to perform at El Concilio's Hispanic Fiesta, part of Wawa's Welcome America!

The name “Grupo Alegria” is a symbol of happiness and the willingness to remain cheerful during adulthood. Through dance, members express their joy, experiences, culture and traditions.

(Photo Credit: Concilio)

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme was “Powered by Connection.” It recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and well-being.

In honor of OAM, St Edmond Senior Community Center and The Anchor by Star Harbor Senior Community Center joined forces to present a “staycation” for their members.

Read more about the event➡️ https://chcsphiladelphia.org/you-couldnt-help-but-feel-like-you-were-cruising-on-the-sea-senior-centers-collaborate-on-staycation-for-older-americans-month/

Let us continue to pray for all our fathers and father figures, living and spiritual, who provide us with love and guidance every day. Happy from Catholic Housing and Community Services!

"Charity in Action”, Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's (CHS) interactive monthly e-newsletter, illustrates CHS’ deeply positive impact on our local community.

CHS is comprised of three divisions—Catholic Housing and Community Services, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each year CHS benefits hundreds of thousands people in-need throughout the five-county Archdiocese.

Subscribers receive the latest good news emanating from CHS each month, as well as announcements and information about upcoming events and initiatives!

To subscribe to the monthly “Charity in Action” e-newsletter➡️
http://eepurl.com/ip4zqw

Seniors and their loved ones seeking answers about senior programs including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, continuous life care communities, in home support, senior housing, senior centers, senior clubs and more can find answers through our Senior Helpline.

Call our Senior Helpline today at 1-888-679-7669!

Our senior housing programs enable seniors to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, stylish apartment living.

To learn more please visit: https://chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-housing/

Earlier today Heather Huot, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, and Iyanna, a resident of Catholic Social Services' Visitation Homes, joined NBC10 Philadelphia to talk about the Catholic Charities Appeal!

The Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s largest annual fundraising initiative benefiting hundreds of thousands of people through countless organizations and ministries throughout the five-county Archdiocese.

To learn more about the CCA, please check out the link below!

You can help the Catholic Charities Appeal's mission Heather Huot and Iyanna joins NBC10’s Lucy Bustamante to explain what Catholic Charities Appeals does in the Philadelphia region and make an appeal to raise more money to help people.

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to be the host agency for this upcoming Catholic Charities USA regional convening! The CCUSA Homeless Advocacy Forum will take place on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6.

This regional convening is a platform to discuss the state of homelessness in local communities, states, and regions; share challenges, ideas, solutions and models of best practice for addressing homelessness; and provide federal-level advocacy training. Presenters will include CCUSA staff, Catholic Charities leaders, community leaders and local, state, and federal agencies.

Register now by scanning the QR code or by visiting here: https://web.cvent.com/event/f1974f11-4965-46dc-964f-ccdefb2c6b86/summary?locale=en

Let us continue to pray for all of our mothers and mother figures, living and spiritual, who provide us with love and guidance every day. Happy from Catholic Housing and Community Services!

Our Senior Community Centers throughout Philadelphia offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness, and independence.

To learn more about a senior center and the senior programs and activities we offer in your community: https://chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-centers/

Today kicks off ! Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is "Powered by Connection", which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

Follow along throughout the month to see the different resources and programs Catholic Housing and Community Services offers older Americans!

For our final volunteer spotlight for we are spotlighting Denise from Catholic Housing and Community Services' St Edmond Senior Community Center!

Denise is a dedicated volunteer at the center and currently serves as the secretary for the Advisory Board. She assists in many different roles at St. Edmond including calling for bingo, providing a helping hand to clean, and decorating the center for special programs. Center Manager Kimberly Beatty said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Denise for her unwavering dedication and selflessness in serving the seniors at St. Edmond Senior Community Center. Your kindness and compassion make a world of difference."

Thank you, Denise, for your continued support!

Today we are spotlighting Pillar and Sonia from CHCS’ Norris Square Senior Community Center for !

When Pillar first began volunteering at Norris Square, she started at the center’s decorating group. More recently, Pillar has also assisted in the kitchen to prepare breakfast and serve meals to the center members. When asked why she decided to begin volunteering, Pillar said, “I like to help people.”

Like Pillar, Sonia also enjoys helping people. She assists the center with art classes, decorating, and serving meals. “I recommend volunteering at Norris Square to anyone who asks me,” said Sonia. Her favorite part about volunteering is meeting new people and interacting with the center members.

Thank you, Pillar and Sonia, for your continued support!

"[Volunteers] are among the most precious things the Church has, who every day, often silently and unassumingly, give shape and visibility to mercy.” - Pope Francis

"The people we serve have become entwined in my life. It’s more than a volunteer job. I’ve become one of them.”

Theresa Zuccarino, a resident of Catholic Housing and Community Services' Saint Francis Villa, volunteers four days a week helping those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Philadelphia at St Francis Inn Ministries. Read more about the "Queen of Kensington" via CatholicPhilly.com!

Guided by St. Francis, ‘Queen of Kensington’ Serves Those in Need Inspired by her favorite saint - St. Francis of Assisi - Theresa Zuccarino volunteers four days a week helping those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Philadelphia.

Continuing our celebration of , today we are spotlighting Gwendoly Tunnell from Catholic Housing and Community Services' The Anchor by Star Harbor Senior Community Center!

Gwendoly was first motivated to volunteer when she joined Star Harbor in 2011 after being introduced to the center by her late friend. Over ten years later, Gwendoly now assists with arts and crafts, the drama club, and participates on Star Harbor’s Advisory Board. When asked what advice she would give to someone who is considering volunteering, Gwendoly said, “My advice is for anyone who wants to help is to not be afraid and pick something you like to do. Star Harbor is a very friendly center and most of the members look forward to doing different things. It is a win-win situation for all!”

Thank you, Gwendoly, for your continued support!

Today kicks off ! Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for their care and commitment to Catholic Housing and Community Services. Your dedication allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and serve our communities. We are grateful for all of the time and talent you generously give to helping others in need!

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Prayerful best wishes for a very ! We wish you and your families a blessed day.

The Anchor by Star Harbor Senior Community Center with a new look! Located in Southwest Philadelphia, the CHCS senior center offers opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness and independence.

"Love and charity, are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. … When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!" -Pope Francis

Today is the feast day of Saint Louise de Marillac, Patron Saint of Social Workers. On her feast day we take a moment to recognize all of the social workers within Catholic Housing and Community Services for their compassionate care and dedication. Their work makes a vital difference in the lives of those they serve.

Saint Louise de Marillac, pray for us!

We are excited to announce the appointment of Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, MSS, as the next Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Her appointment became effective February 26, 2024 and she succeeds Heather Huot, MSW, LSW. Heather had served as Director of CHCS since 2020 until her appointment as Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez in December 2023.

Please join us in extending prayerful congratulations to Suzanne!

Read more about Suzanne and her appointment via CatholicPhilly.com: https://catholicphilly.com/2024/02/news/local-news/new-director-named-for-catholic-housing-and-community-services/

“Such events not only offer entertainment but also create a sense of community and shared celebration.”

In 2023, a highlight for seniors at the St Edmond Senior Community Center was their fashion show, which featured creativity and participation from many members. Through the inclusion of various styles, from casual wear to evening attire, the special event provides a diverse and inclusive showcase for all member to be seen and to shine.

To read more about Saint Edmond's fashion show➡️ https://chcsphiladelphia.org/fashion-show-event-encourages-creativity-among-saint-edmond-senior-community-center-members/

Reminder: Due to repairs to the heating system, Saint Edmond Senior Community Center is closed today, January 29.

The center is expected to reopen tomorrow, January 30.

St Edmond Senior Community Center is operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Due to repairs to the heating system, Saint Edmond Senior Community Center will close on Monday, January 29, 2024.

St Edmond Senior Community Center is operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.