Supporting our mission
July 7, 2020
People’s Emergency Center (PEC), located in West Philadelphia, relies on the generosity of the general public. Philanthropic partnership and donations enable us to advance our mission to nurture Philadelphia’s most vulnerable families, strengthen neighborhoods, empower youth, and drive change.
We would like to make the public aware that PEC staff do not request contributions through canvassing at public events, shopping centers, street corners, parks or by going door-to-door. Our staff will solicit contributions at our own signature events, and less frequently at a PEC branded table at partner events. We discourage our supporters from making requests of people they do not know; encouraging them instead to raise funds for our programs by hosting a social media fundraiser, or sharing a donation link to PEC’s Pay Pal account or mailing address.
Please be aware that, we have recently received information about an individual soliciting gifts for PEC at Clark Park. We are unable to confirm that a gift has been donated to PEC from this individual. And it is always more secure to provide a donation directly to PEC.
Anyone who is inclined to support our work directly, or who wants to encourage others to support PEC, can use the following information:
We thank everyone who supports our work during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President, PEC
People’s Emergency Center (PEC), located in West Philadelphia, relies on the generosity of the general public. Philanthropic partnership and donations enable us to advance our mission to nurture Philadelphia’s most vulnerable families, strengthen neighborhoods, empower youth, and drive change.
We would like to make the public aware that PEC staff do not request contributions through canvassing at public events, shopping centers, street corners, parks or by going door-to-door. Our staff will solicit contributions at our own signature events, and less frequently at a PEC branded table at partner events. We discourage our supporters from making requests of people they do not know; encouraging them instead to raise funds for our programs by hosting a social media fundraiser, or sharing a donation link to PEC’s Pay Pal account or mailing address.
Please be aware that, we have recently received information about an individual soliciting gifts for PEC at Clark Park. We are unable to confirm that a gift has been donated to PEC from this individual. And it is always more secure to provide a donation directly to PEC.
Anyone who is inclined to support our work directly, or who wants to encourage others to support PEC, can use the following information:
- Give online at bit.ly/GivePECNow
- Support us through social media at People’s Emergency Center on Facebook or create a fundraiser using the tools here
- Use one of our wishlists to send us an in-kind donation of food or supplies
- Sign up for updates on our needs and impact
- Learn more about PEC on our www.pec-cares.org
- Mail financial contributions to Attn: Development at 325 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
We thank everyone who supports our work during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President, PEC
RAISING OUR VOICE - CHANGE STARTS WITH US
June 1, 2020
As we surveyed the damage of the weekend’s unrest in our neighborhoods, we shared a deep sense of sadness for business owners, community residents, and others who have invested so much to ensure access to vibrant commercial corridors to meet the needs of residents. And though it will take time and money, we believe the damage done to businesses can and will be repaired somewhat easily.
What will be much more difficult to repair is the underlying cause of the unrest. The centuries old feelings of oppression, disempowerment, and marginalization of black and brown people caused by both explicit and systemic racism that is deeply embedded in our history and our culture. This system must be dismantled.
People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), serve families and youth experiencing homelessness and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by poverty, health disparities, and other challenges which are often exacerbated by ineffective policies and systems which are meant to help them. While there is often focus placed on the challenges faced by communities of color, we see the strength, tenacity, and resilience. We certainly don’t profess to have all of the answers, but we are committed to doing more— to create a more equitable community for all, and to being better allies.
We invite you to join us in the fight against hate, racism, and implicit bias through advocacy and responding against overt and covert racism you see and hear every day. We understand these conversations can be difficult, and uncomfortable – but it is crucial that you have them anyway. Below are links to resources which can help. Change starts with us.
We will be convening a joint committee of youth development experts from both PEC and YSI, to produce a toolkit of resources for parents. The toolkit will include resources for talking to your kids about systemic racism, and for helping children cope with traumatic events they have experienced or witnessed over the past few days.
Today, we are sad. We are angry. We are fearful. But we cannot let anger and violence overpower the importance of our collective message: Black lives matter. We must remain resolute in our message and channel our frustration and anger into productive discourse for change.
To the communities of color we serve: We are here. We see you. We hear you. We support you. We honor your resilience. We commit to raising our voices in support of you and channeling our efforts to ensure a more just and equitable future for all.
Kathy Desmond Gwen Bailey
President, PEC Executive Director, YSI
About PEC and YSI
Affiliated in January 2020, PEC and YSI work on several fronts to provide a holistic response to society’s ills. We provide food, housing, and resources. We counsel to help heal the heart. We inspire children’s curiosity through education and provide supports to opportunity youth. We promote job readiness through preparation and exposure. Our services are infused with a trauma-informed approach to soothe the spirit and promote healing. We encourage a unique community identity through creative placemaking in our neighborhoods. And we amplify the voices of the people we serve to policymakers so that their stories, their words, their voices may be heard.
As we surveyed the damage of the weekend’s unrest in our neighborhoods, we shared a deep sense of sadness for business owners, community residents, and others who have invested so much to ensure access to vibrant commercial corridors to meet the needs of residents. And though it will take time and money, we believe the damage done to businesses can and will be repaired somewhat easily.
What will be much more difficult to repair is the underlying cause of the unrest. The centuries old feelings of oppression, disempowerment, and marginalization of black and brown people caused by both explicit and systemic racism that is deeply embedded in our history and our culture. This system must be dismantled.
People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), serve families and youth experiencing homelessness and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by poverty, health disparities, and other challenges which are often exacerbated by ineffective policies and systems which are meant to help them. While there is often focus placed on the challenges faced by communities of color, we see the strength, tenacity, and resilience. We certainly don’t profess to have all of the answers, but we are committed to doing more— to create a more equitable community for all, and to being better allies.
We invite you to join us in the fight against hate, racism, and implicit bias through advocacy and responding against overt and covert racism you see and hear every day. We understand these conversations can be difficult, and uncomfortable – but it is crucial that you have them anyway. Below are links to resources which can help. Change starts with us.
- What is Systemic Racism?
- Anti-Racism Resources for White People
- Social Justice Resources from The Children’s Community School in Philadelphia
- Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race
- Resource List from Education for Racial Equity
We will be convening a joint committee of youth development experts from both PEC and YSI, to produce a toolkit of resources for parents. The toolkit will include resources for talking to your kids about systemic racism, and for helping children cope with traumatic events they have experienced or witnessed over the past few days.
Today, we are sad. We are angry. We are fearful. But we cannot let anger and violence overpower the importance of our collective message: Black lives matter. We must remain resolute in our message and channel our frustration and anger into productive discourse for change.
To the communities of color we serve: We are here. We see you. We hear you. We support you. We honor your resilience. We commit to raising our voices in support of you and channeling our efforts to ensure a more just and equitable future for all.
Kathy Desmond Gwen Bailey
President, PEC Executive Director, YSI
About PEC and YSI
Affiliated in January 2020, PEC and YSI work on several fronts to provide a holistic response to society’s ills. We provide food, housing, and resources. We counsel to help heal the heart. We inspire children’s curiosity through education and provide supports to opportunity youth. We promote job readiness through preparation and exposure. Our services are infused with a trauma-informed approach to soothe the spirit and promote healing. We encourage a unique community identity through creative placemaking in our neighborhoods. And we amplify the voices of the people we serve to policymakers so that their stories, their words, their voices may be heard.
PEC'S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
April 10,2020
A Message from Kathy Desmond, President, People’s Emergency Center
The vitality of our communities is deeply rooted in the bonds between neighbors and families. COVID-19 has presented us with unprecedented challenges--but it also has provided us a rare opportunity to simply pause, spend time with those we care about most, and give back to those in need. During times like these, we see the strength and beauty of the human spirit exemplified. I am moved by the outpouring of community support I have witnessed first-hand from partners, neighbors, donors, and our own PEC staff.
I would like to thank those who have helped us to carry on our daily operations and help keep our community and residents safe each day:
The collective support of our closest allies has enabled PEC to remain a steadfast community resource, in the wake of COVID-19. We continue to offer shelter, meals, activities, and services to 60 families and youth experiencing homelessness. Our food distribution network has provided food to 1,500 neighbors so far, and we expect to serve 400 people per week or more during the quarantine. PEC’s policy department is monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the people we serve and is advocating for resources and supportive policies during and after this crisis. Our BELL and AFEL teams continue to provide outreach, referrals, and educational resources to families with young children.
As we continually adapt to the rapidly changing situation, it is essential that PEC is dynamic in our response and continues supporting the basic needs of our communities. That’s why we have made it a priority to share with you essential resources to protect your health, conserve your finances, and stay informed.
Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is critical to safeguarding the health of our neighbors and families, and we support the quarantine efforts of City officials. All PEC in-person events will remain canceled for the duration of the shelter-in-place mandates. However, we will continue to look for ways to digitally engage the community through a webinar series. (More information soon to come!)
Our services are in greater demand now than ever before. PEC welcomes the collective response of our community to help reach those most vulnerable. There are several ways that you can help support:
Wishing you good health, and sending hope, from all of us here at PEC. And don’t forget to double your donation by supporting today!
*The Wyss Foundation’s generous $30,000 commitment provides general support of PEC’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, and will match gifts received by PEC 1:1 until a total fundraising goal of $30,000 is reached.
A Message from Kathy Desmond, President, People’s Emergency Center
The vitality of our communities is deeply rooted in the bonds between neighbors and families. COVID-19 has presented us with unprecedented challenges--but it also has provided us a rare opportunity to simply pause, spend time with those we care about most, and give back to those in need. During times like these, we see the strength and beauty of the human spirit exemplified. I am moved by the outpouring of community support I have witnessed first-hand from partners, neighbors, donors, and our own PEC staff.
I would like to thank those who have helped us to carry on our daily operations and help keep our community and residents safe each day:
- Our staff, who selflessly serve on-site each day to assure and support our residents.
- Our donors, who have rapidly responded to the growing needs in our community.
- Our board, who have provided essential guidance and support in the face of the crisis.
- Our partners, for rallying to meet our community’s most pressing needs.
- Our City Officials for championing our collective community health and leading us through these trying times.
The collective support of our closest allies has enabled PEC to remain a steadfast community resource, in the wake of COVID-19. We continue to offer shelter, meals, activities, and services to 60 families and youth experiencing homelessness. Our food distribution network has provided food to 1,500 neighbors so far, and we expect to serve 400 people per week or more during the quarantine. PEC’s policy department is monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the people we serve and is advocating for resources and supportive policies during and after this crisis. Our BELL and AFEL teams continue to provide outreach, referrals, and educational resources to families with young children.
As we continually adapt to the rapidly changing situation, it is essential that PEC is dynamic in our response and continues supporting the basic needs of our communities. That’s why we have made it a priority to share with you essential resources to protect your health, conserve your finances, and stay informed.
Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is critical to safeguarding the health of our neighbors and families, and we support the quarantine efforts of City officials. All PEC in-person events will remain canceled for the duration of the shelter-in-place mandates. However, we will continue to look for ways to digitally engage the community through a webinar series. (More information soon to come!)
Our services are in greater demand now than ever before. PEC welcomes the collective response of our community to help reach those most vulnerable. There are several ways that you can help support:
- Make a donation (Donations made today will be doubled, through a generous 1:1 match from The Wyss Foundation*).
- Send us supplies from our Amazon Wish List
- Share this information with others
- Follow shelter-in-place guidelines
Wishing you good health, and sending hope, from all of us here at PEC. And don’t forget to double your donation by supporting today!
*The Wyss Foundation’s generous $30,000 commitment provides general support of PEC’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, and will match gifts received by PEC 1:1 until a total fundraising goal of $30,000 is reached.