From Bethesda Project, Tina Pagotto, MSW, Chief Executive Officer, and Kharisma Goldston, Director of Shelter, discussed the non-profit, which celebrates its 45 year of service this year.  Founded in 1979 as a one-time service project for women, the mission has grown to 11 sites throughout Center City Philadelphia for individual adults who are chronically homeless and struggle with severe and persistent mental illness, serious medical conditions and/or addiction receive food, shelter and referrals to much-needed services. Bethesda Project staff reach out to those most reluctant to enter shelter with tenacious, dignified care and help them transition to housing.

These sites range from emergency shelter to safe haven provisions to supportive housing to independent living spaces. 

Tina discussed their three concentrations, emergency shelter for any individual who is in need of shelter, entry level housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness through mental illness, addiction or other causes, and supportive services to help maintain their housing.  Once in shelter, Bethesda Project meets needs from clothing, medical attention, and meal services while connecting their guests with support programming.

Kharisma discussed Bethesda Project’s Our Brothers’ Place, run in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia and provides emergency shelter for 149 men and supportive services for an additional 50 daily. Individuals experiencing homelessness receive warm meals and social services, taking the first step in accessing housing in the community.  She encourages everyone to keep the emergency shelter number ready – 215-232-1984 to help get the homeless off the street and into safety during the winter.

 They talked about the increasing numbers affected by homelessness in Philadelphia, causes include the affordable housing crisis – lack of inventory, high rent and low incomes, and the lack of adequate access to mental health and medical services.
They ask our support, in cash, in volunteering and for in-kind donations.  Their Young Professionals have a events and activities throughout the year including Trivia at Future Days Beer Co. in Northern Liberties on January 23, with $2 per beer is donated back to BP, and Bethesda itself will celebrate their 45th Anniversary Dinner at Daylesford Abbey with their Founder Abbot Domenic Rossi — Bethesda Project.  Their annual Party & Auction is scheduled for May.

To learn more, to donate, to volunteer, to attend a fundraising event, go to bethesdaproject.org.