USA

Depaul USA was set up in 2008 in Philadelphia USA, with its first project, a hostel for 25 homeless men in the Germantown area of the city, opening in April 2009. 

The need for such a project was identified by the City of Philadelphia when it undertook a review of its services for the homeless and drew up a 10-year strategic plan for tackling homelessness.  Although it had a program of emergency shelters and short term accommodation, these facilities were silting up because of a lack of move-on and resettlement accommodation being made available.  Depaul's innovative model for engaging with homeless people who are ready to make that first move towards more independent living provides the stepping stone towards achieving that goal.  It was one of the reasons Depaul was invited to set up the Depaul House hostel, and show how it could make a difference.

The start up funding for the project has come mainly from the Vincentian organizations we have worked so closely with in the past, along with a number of significant individual donations for which we are very grateful.  As the service moves into a period of consolidation, we are working to build its development and fundraising capacity and are looking to diversify its funding from a variety of sources, partly voluntary donations, and partly statutory funding.  We are already receiving funding from the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Supported Housing under their 10-year plan for tackling homelessness, and have been successful in applications to a number of grant making foundations.