For 12 years, Drueding Center/Project Rainbow has been a transitional housing program for homeless women and their children, offering a network of health, social, educational and vocational programs that focus on helping women achieve independent living. With 20 private apartments, licensed child care, well baby clinics, life skills classes and After Care support, Drueding Center/Project Rainbow has helped more than 345 women and 650 dependent children regain control of their lives and move self-assuredly into the future.

The philosophy of Project Rainbow:


The Need
On any given day, the streets of Philadelphia are "home" to thousands of women and children. In fact, in this country, the average homeless person is just nine years old.

The Dream
In 1987, the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer chose to address the issue of homelessness, specifically homeless mothers with dependent children. The average shelter offers only a temporary solution; however, homelessness is a symptom of a whole network of personal and societal problems, including: inadequate education, unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, and, a lack of competent childcare. The Sisters accepted the challenge to create a special place where these problems could be corrected while offering shelter to the family.

Victory...
Drueding Center/Project Rainbow is a nationally recognized program for homeless families. A transitional housing shelter for mothers and their children, Rainbow provides hope for those whose lives are in turmoil. Since 1993, 90 percent have moved on to independent living situations. The network of support continues after families leave Drueding Center/Project Rainbow. Case workers follow-up with and counsel graduates. Such communication helps lessen feelings of isolation and reinforces the power of self-esteem and dignity. Drueding Center/Project Rainbow offers its families hope, pride, love and success, and teaches them skills that can be carried throughout their lives. With alot of hard work, support and encouragement, dreams can come true!

The Funding
Drueding Center/Project Rainbow's funding comes from bridge housing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), restricted gifts, general gifts and fundraising. The money received is then used for social services, administration, after-care, child counseling, development and day care.

The Response
In an effort to create a transitional housing program that would address the root causes of homelessness and offer a real solution to the problem, Drueding Center/Project Rainbow's services include:

• Well-baby clinic/other medical services
• Fully licensed day care center on premises
• Early childhood intervention services
• Referrals and housing assistance
• Parenting and nutritional services
• Comprehensive social services
• On-site learning center
• After Care Services

To assist mothers in achieving independence, Drueding Center/Project Rainbow helps them to:

• Complete their education
• Obtain a G.E.D. certificate
• Improve parenting skills
• Enroll in training programs
• Find employment
• Develop budgeting skills
• Find permanent housing
  
  

Keep the rainbow shining for homeless families!

For more information, please call 1-800-818-4747.