About Us

Overington House takes a holistic approach to service, offering residents opportunities to work toward individual and family goals of: permanent housing and long-term stability, home management, job training and employment, sobriety, education, parenting and family activities, and heightened self-esteem. Residents are referred from the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, churches, social service agencies, drug and alcohol treatment centers, other social advocacy programs, and citywide emergency shelters for homeless families. All prospective residents are screened prior to intake to assure that they meet federal criteria for homelessness, as well as agency criteria for admission: e.g., women who are pregnant or parenting; have a drug and alcohol diagnosis with some level of remission; have a mental health diagnosis with some level of remission; and/or have been a victim of domestic violence.

Upon intake, families work with Overington House’s Program Manager to develop an Assessment that determines each family’s individual needs for support, and serves as a guidepost for progress during their time in residency. They are also assured access to all city, state, and federal benefits as necessary.  Children are further screened and referred to specialized services as needed (i.e., tutoring, mentoring, wraparound and behavioral health supports, etc.).

Overington House residents often have full days of programming and activity, including participation in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and job training programs through partnerships with CHANCES and JEVS Northeast EARN Center (see below for more on partnerships). Evenings include participation in Life Skills and Financial Literacy programs that are coordinated internally at Overington House.  All women are expected to participate in core Case Management and evaluation as they work towards their housing, employment, health and education goals.  On- and off-site collaborative programs and services include:

Life Skills Program
Employment and Education Services
Permanent Housing Assistance
Medical Care, Health and Wellness
Child Enrichment
Nutrition
Aftercare Services
Partner Organizations

In addition to case management and self-sufficiency supports, Overington House provides important opportunities for women to develop a support network and reconnect with their community. Long- term recovery from addiction and health problems is strongly dependent on having a social network of support.  Unfortunately, many resident women do not have a strong support network when they enter Overington House as a result of addiction or homelessness. As such, resident women take part in semi-annual neighborhood festivals and cleanups, helping them gain the respect of their neighbors and become more invested in the community.  In addition, Overington House alumnae who remain in Frankford often serve as mentors to current residents of Overington House, thus creating a support network that women can depend upon long after graduation.