Text PECCARES to 844-961-3547 for PEC news and more ways to support our work!
OFFICE OF HOMELESS SERVICES FUNDING FOR GLORIA'S PLACE
October 4, 2021
Earlier this year, PEC received news that Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services (OHS) plans to eliminate funding to PEC's congregate care emergency shelter, prioritizing funding for rapid rehousing models, and shelters that have private living spaces. Our emergency shelter, which started in a church basement and later became Gloria's Place (now located at 3902 Spring Garden Street) houses 50 families each year and has served as the bedrock of PEC's mission, caring for an estimated 2,500 families since our founding in 1972.
We are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and the loss of emergency shelters during this time adds to our concern for thousands of residents, who will undoubtedly seek emergency shelter with the end of the eviction moratorium. Accommodations for families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia have steadily decreased from 5,904 beds in 2016 to 5,537 in 2020 (down 6%), reinforcing our uncertainty.
OHS funding is critical to the ongoing operations of Gloria's Place, but we remain optimistic and will embrace this opportunity to re-imagine our model for emergency shelter, inspire our donors and partners, and explore options to use this space more effectively including renovations and programmatic changes. We will keep you informed as our plans progress and look forward to continuing service for families and youth in need. All other housing options offered at PEC will remain uninterrupted.
If you would like to learn more about the future of Gloria's Place, and are interested in supporting our renovation plan, or if you have questions in regard to this statement, please contact Jacqui Flynn, VP of Resource & Business Development, jflynn@pec-cares.org.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President
Earlier this year, PEC received news that Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services (OHS) plans to eliminate funding to PEC's congregate care emergency shelter, prioritizing funding for rapid rehousing models, and shelters that have private living spaces. Our emergency shelter, which started in a church basement and later became Gloria's Place (now located at 3902 Spring Garden Street) houses 50 families each year and has served as the bedrock of PEC's mission, caring for an estimated 2,500 families since our founding in 1972.
We are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and the loss of emergency shelters during this time adds to our concern for thousands of residents, who will undoubtedly seek emergency shelter with the end of the eviction moratorium. Accommodations for families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia have steadily decreased from 5,904 beds in 2016 to 5,537 in 2020 (down 6%), reinforcing our uncertainty.
OHS funding is critical to the ongoing operations of Gloria's Place, but we remain optimistic and will embrace this opportunity to re-imagine our model for emergency shelter, inspire our donors and partners, and explore options to use this space more effectively including renovations and programmatic changes. We will keep you informed as our plans progress and look forward to continuing service for families and youth in need. All other housing options offered at PEC will remain uninterrupted.
If you would like to learn more about the future of Gloria's Place, and are interested in supporting our renovation plan, or if you have questions in regard to this statement, please contact Jacqui Flynn, VP of Resource & Business Development, jflynn@pec-cares.org.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President
FOOD RELIEF PROGRAM IN MANTUA
April 27, 2021
People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and PEC Community Development Corporation (PECCDC) would like to apologize to the Mantua Community for pausing the Saturday “Grab ‘n Go” without adequate communication and without sharing with our partners the challenges we are currently facing in terms of capacity. We also are very sorry to those we may have offended by our most recent graphic. Our attempt was to notify the community of our pause in programming. We recognize the red “X” across our flyer was not the most sensitive way of communicating.
Throughout the pandemic PECCDC has worked tirelessly to distribute nearly 90,000 boxes of food to residents of our communities in need of food relief. We were able to do this with the support of local stores and restaurants, funders, nonprofits, local government agencies, civic associations, senior centers, volunteers and especially our staff. We are thankful for their support.
As the impact of the pandemic limited our ability to provide other community-based programming, we were able to pull staff from other programs to meet the emergent needs of our community. We pivoted from offering a small food cupboard style of service at a single location on Saturdays, to temporarily offering scattered-site, pop-up food distribution, multiple days a week with a single major food hub distribution on Thursday mornings at 3750 Lancaster Avenue, two weekday pop-ups to senior centers and living facilities, and the Saturday morning distribution in Mantua at 37th and Mount Vernon Street playground, called “Mantua Grab ‘n Go.” We did this, while simultaneously providing food and working with a network of other community leaders to organize their own food distributions at their local churches, schools, and community organization meeting locations. Some also deliver to homebound seniors. Pausing other programming to comply with the safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control enabled us to accomplish this intensive schedule of distribution, by utilizing our staff differently.
As the pandemic wanes, we are preparing to transition into a more hybrid model that allows for more in-person engagement across all our programs. This means staff who have been temporarily re-purposed to serve the immediate needs of the community are returning to their original roles. As a result, we are facing some challenges in terms of our capacity to continue our food distribution efforts at the same level.
We recognize access to food continues to be a critical need which exists in our community and we are committed to working with our partners to determine how that need is best met and what role PECCDC can realistically play within the confines of our own staffing and funding challenges. Please be patient with us, as we temporarily pause to explore partnerships and funding that would restore these services in the near future.
PEC and PECCDC remain deeply committed to the Mantua Community and we are incredibly grateful to all our community partners, including HUB Coalition and Mantua Civic Association, for their assistance with these programs.
Please do continue to visit us for our weekly Thursday food relief distribution from 10am to noon at 3750 Lancaster Avenue. Other West Philadelphia food resources can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/west-philly-food-resources/food-assistance. General resources are listed here: https://www.lancasteravephilly.com/
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond James Wright
President Director, Community, Economic, and Real Estate Development Programs
People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and PEC Community Development Corporation (PECCDC) would like to apologize to the Mantua Community for pausing the Saturday “Grab ‘n Go” without adequate communication and without sharing with our partners the challenges we are currently facing in terms of capacity. We also are very sorry to those we may have offended by our most recent graphic. Our attempt was to notify the community of our pause in programming. We recognize the red “X” across our flyer was not the most sensitive way of communicating.
Throughout the pandemic PECCDC has worked tirelessly to distribute nearly 90,000 boxes of food to residents of our communities in need of food relief. We were able to do this with the support of local stores and restaurants, funders, nonprofits, local government agencies, civic associations, senior centers, volunteers and especially our staff. We are thankful for their support.
As the impact of the pandemic limited our ability to provide other community-based programming, we were able to pull staff from other programs to meet the emergent needs of our community. We pivoted from offering a small food cupboard style of service at a single location on Saturdays, to temporarily offering scattered-site, pop-up food distribution, multiple days a week with a single major food hub distribution on Thursday mornings at 3750 Lancaster Avenue, two weekday pop-ups to senior centers and living facilities, and the Saturday morning distribution in Mantua at 37th and Mount Vernon Street playground, called “Mantua Grab ‘n Go.” We did this, while simultaneously providing food and working with a network of other community leaders to organize their own food distributions at their local churches, schools, and community organization meeting locations. Some also deliver to homebound seniors. Pausing other programming to comply with the safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control enabled us to accomplish this intensive schedule of distribution, by utilizing our staff differently.
As the pandemic wanes, we are preparing to transition into a more hybrid model that allows for more in-person engagement across all our programs. This means staff who have been temporarily re-purposed to serve the immediate needs of the community are returning to their original roles. As a result, we are facing some challenges in terms of our capacity to continue our food distribution efforts at the same level.
We recognize access to food continues to be a critical need which exists in our community and we are committed to working with our partners to determine how that need is best met and what role PECCDC can realistically play within the confines of our own staffing and funding challenges. Please be patient with us, as we temporarily pause to explore partnerships and funding that would restore these services in the near future.
PEC and PECCDC remain deeply committed to the Mantua Community and we are incredibly grateful to all our community partners, including HUB Coalition and Mantua Civic Association, for their assistance with these programs.
Please do continue to visit us for our weekly Thursday food relief distribution from 10am to noon at 3750 Lancaster Avenue. Other West Philadelphia food resources can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/west-philly-food-resources/food-assistance. General resources are listed here: https://www.lancasteravephilly.com/
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond James Wright
President Director, Community, Economic, and Real Estate Development Programs
VERDICT DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL
April 20, 2021
Public Statement Regarding Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict from People’s Emergency Center (PEC)
On behalf of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), from Kathy Desmond, PEC President and Gwen Bailey, YSI Executive Director:
The murder of George Floyd, was a pivotal turning point for our country—another tragic reminder of the deep-rooted injustice, inequity, and inhumanity faced by Black and Brown communities for generations. We are hopeful today’s guilty verdict will mark the beginning of an era of accountability and serve as the essential first-step toward restoration of faith, justice, optimism, and change. There is much more work to be done. PEC and YSI are committed to being advocates and using our voice and influence to combat racism and promote equity and change.
In the words of Martin Luther King:
“We have before us a glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of civilization.”
The verdict today comes on the heels of what has been an extraordinarily difficult year for so many. Racial injustice, the pandemic, economic insecurity, and community violence has left many families feeling overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness.
We offer the following resources to help and provide support:
Please join us for the following healing and community-building activities:
We look forward to walking alongside you as we continue our pursuit for equity, healing, justice, and change together.
With Peace,
Kathy & Gwen
Public Statement Regarding Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict from People’s Emergency Center (PEC)
On behalf of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), from Kathy Desmond, PEC President and Gwen Bailey, YSI Executive Director:
The murder of George Floyd, was a pivotal turning point for our country—another tragic reminder of the deep-rooted injustice, inequity, and inhumanity faced by Black and Brown communities for generations. We are hopeful today’s guilty verdict will mark the beginning of an era of accountability and serve as the essential first-step toward restoration of faith, justice, optimism, and change. There is much more work to be done. PEC and YSI are committed to being advocates and using our voice and influence to combat racism and promote equity and change.
In the words of Martin Luther King:
“We have before us a glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of civilization.”
The verdict today comes on the heels of what has been an extraordinarily difficult year for so many. Racial injustice, the pandemic, economic insecurity, and community violence has left many families feeling overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness.
We offer the following resources to help and provide support:
- Improve your mood -- and the mood of those around you -- with these suggestions from Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services.
- Cope with grief with these ideas from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency.
Please join us for the following healing and community-building activities:
- Men’s Coffee Talk – Second Tuesday of every month, 11am online. Contact Kevin at KevinB@pec-cares.org or 267-777-5820 to join.
- Barnes Presents Flower Pot Paint Party (barnespresents.eventbrite.com) Thursday 4/22
- Community Mural Painting with Ock the Wizard (muralpaintparty.eventbrite.com) Saturday 5/8 and Thursday 5/13
- Everyday Places Artist Partnerships (pec-cares.org/barneswest) Various dates
We look forward to walking alongside you as we continue our pursuit for equity, healing, justice, and change together.
With Peace,
Kathy & Gwen
INQUIRER ARTICLE
March 21, 2021
The article titled “Inside Jamie Gauthier’s Tumultuous First Year on Philly City Council— and What Counts next” written by Sean Collins Walsh, published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on March 21, 2021, included the personal opinion of a member of People’s Emergency Center’s (PEC) staff in association with our agency. We want to take this opportunity to clarify PEC’s philosophy of partnership with elected officials in service of our constituents.
PEC is a non-partisan 501c3 organization, and we collaborate with all elected and appointed officials to advance policy that benefits families, youth and children at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Elected and appointed officials and their staff members are partners in serving our neighborhood and residents. We make no claim to know the constituent service procedures or responsiveness of any City office. PEC follows procedures as published to navigate eligibility and approval of any services provided by any government entity, and we encourage our constituents and partners to do the same.
PEC has worked with the office of the Third District of Philadelphia since our founding in 1972 to improve the circumstances of families and youth experiencing homelessness. The work to alleviate poverty – systemically and individually – is too great for any one official, agency or individual to address on their own. We have worked with Councilmember Jaime Gauthier and her predecessor, the Honorable Jannie Blackwell, among many other officials and their staff members over the past year to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on our communities. We are grateful to all of our partners who have helped PEC dynamically respond to our communities most pressing needs during this most challenging time.
We look forward to continuing our work with Councilmember Gauthier in her role as our district representative to City Council. We are also grateful for Jannie Blackwell’s continued service as one of West Philadelphia’s most-engaged volunteers.
All media inquiries about PEC should be directed to Trish Downey, Communications Director, at 267-334-5778 or tdowney@pec-cares.org.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President
People’s Emergency Center
The article titled “Inside Jamie Gauthier’s Tumultuous First Year on Philly City Council— and What Counts next” written by Sean Collins Walsh, published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on March 21, 2021, included the personal opinion of a member of People’s Emergency Center’s (PEC) staff in association with our agency. We want to take this opportunity to clarify PEC’s philosophy of partnership with elected officials in service of our constituents.
PEC is a non-partisan 501c3 organization, and we collaborate with all elected and appointed officials to advance policy that benefits families, youth and children at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Elected and appointed officials and their staff members are partners in serving our neighborhood and residents. We make no claim to know the constituent service procedures or responsiveness of any City office. PEC follows procedures as published to navigate eligibility and approval of any services provided by any government entity, and we encourage our constituents and partners to do the same.
PEC has worked with the office of the Third District of Philadelphia since our founding in 1972 to improve the circumstances of families and youth experiencing homelessness. The work to alleviate poverty – systemically and individually – is too great for any one official, agency or individual to address on their own. We have worked with Councilmember Jaime Gauthier and her predecessor, the Honorable Jannie Blackwell, among many other officials and their staff members over the past year to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on our communities. We are grateful to all of our partners who have helped PEC dynamically respond to our communities most pressing needs during this most challenging time.
We look forward to continuing our work with Councilmember Gauthier in her role as our district representative to City Council. We are also grateful for Jannie Blackwell’s continued service as one of West Philadelphia’s most-engaged volunteers.
All media inquiries about PEC should be directed to Trish Downey, Communications Director, at 267-334-5778 or tdowney@pec-cares.org.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond
President
People’s Emergency Center
WALTER WALLACE JR. SHOOTING
October 28, 2020
On behalf of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), from Kathy Desmond, PEC President and Gwen Bailey, YSI Executive Director
Walter Wallace, Jr. was a son, a husband, and a father of eight children. His ninth child is expected to be born today. What a stunning, tragic, and unnecessary loss of life. Our hearts ache for his family, his friends, our community, and our nation as we continue to struggle with the ubiquitous impact of racism.
We recognize the impact loss and trauma can have on communities. Just this year, families across Philadelphia have experienced the loss of loved ones to violence, with approximately 400 people being murdered. Violence, hurt, fear, and anger are often the outward expression of helplessness, and complex trauma borne and compounded by the lack of social and economic equity that leave communities stressed by poverty, high rates of unemployment, health disparities, and food and housing insecurity.
PEC and its affiliates strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who seeks our services by using a trauma informed framework. There is a vast array of research demonstrating the benefit of using trauma informed care in service to others. We call on the City to integrate these practices in training programs for the police and other city agencies who are working with community members. We encourage city leaders, legislators, thought leaders and influencers to use their voices and resources to champion the collective missions and expertise of human service organizations in support of our communities. We encourage you to join us in advocating for greater financial and program support for individuals facing behavioral health challenges and their caregivers.
PEC is one of 20+ human service organizations and institutions working with the community to deal with the fallout from yesterday’s protests in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone/Promise Neighborhood by working hand in hand with community leaders and civic organizations. While we wait along with you for the outcome of the investigation, we are focusing our attention on what we can do to ensure a safer and more just society.
Please know, we are listening. We will continue to use our platform to elevate the concerns of our community and we raise our voice along with you to demand change.
The ultimate form of protest will happen, next Tuesday, November 3, during the Presidential Election. If you have questions about the voting process, visit https://www.philadelphiavotes.com/
Visit https://dbhids.org/community/public-education-training/healthy-minds-philly/mental-health-first-aid-mhfa/ for information on bringing Mental Health First Aid training to your community.
Walter Wallace, Jr. was a son, a husband, and a father of eight children. His ninth child is expected to be born today.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond Gwen Bailey
President Executive Director
People’s Emergency Center Youth Service, Inc.
On behalf of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), from Kathy Desmond, PEC President and Gwen Bailey, YSI Executive Director
Walter Wallace, Jr. was a son, a husband, and a father of eight children. His ninth child is expected to be born today. What a stunning, tragic, and unnecessary loss of life. Our hearts ache for his family, his friends, our community, and our nation as we continue to struggle with the ubiquitous impact of racism.
We recognize the impact loss and trauma can have on communities. Just this year, families across Philadelphia have experienced the loss of loved ones to violence, with approximately 400 people being murdered. Violence, hurt, fear, and anger are often the outward expression of helplessness, and complex trauma borne and compounded by the lack of social and economic equity that leave communities stressed by poverty, high rates of unemployment, health disparities, and food and housing insecurity.
PEC and its affiliates strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who seeks our services by using a trauma informed framework. There is a vast array of research demonstrating the benefit of using trauma informed care in service to others. We call on the City to integrate these practices in training programs for the police and other city agencies who are working with community members. We encourage city leaders, legislators, thought leaders and influencers to use their voices and resources to champion the collective missions and expertise of human service organizations in support of our communities. We encourage you to join us in advocating for greater financial and program support for individuals facing behavioral health challenges and their caregivers.
PEC is one of 20+ human service organizations and institutions working with the community to deal with the fallout from yesterday’s protests in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone/Promise Neighborhood by working hand in hand with community leaders and civic organizations. While we wait along with you for the outcome of the investigation, we are focusing our attention on what we can do to ensure a safer and more just society.
Please know, we are listening. We will continue to use our platform to elevate the concerns of our community and we raise our voice along with you to demand change.
The ultimate form of protest will happen, next Tuesday, November 3, during the Presidential Election. If you have questions about the voting process, visit https://www.philadelphiavotes.com/
Visit https://dbhids.org/community/public-education-training/healthy-minds-philly/mental-health-first-aid-mhfa/ for information on bringing Mental Health First Aid training to your community.
Walter Wallace, Jr. was a son, a husband, and a father of eight children. His ninth child is expected to be born today.
Sincerely,
Kathy Desmond Gwen Bailey
President Executive Director
People’s Emergency Center Youth Service, Inc.
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.