Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Terms of Use

© 2024 Yomaris Melecio. All rights reserved. This work is freely available courtesy of the author. It may only be used for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes. For all other uses, including reproduction and distribution, please contact the copyright holder.

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Sociology & Anthropology Department

First Advisor

Christy Schuetze

Second Advisor

Alejandra Azuero-Quijano

Abstract

In this study, I explore the intersection of homelessness and mental health in Philadelphia through the lens of three non-profit organizations dedicated to addressing these challenges. Central questions guiding this research include: “How do these organizations understand and integrate mental health considerations into their missions and services? How did the Covid-19 pandemic impact their services?” My methodology involves analyzing data from the City of Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services to understand homelessness trends, while also examining non-profit organizations' responses to COVID-19 challenges. This includes assessing mission alignment, financial management, and service provision through mission statement analysis, financial allocation, and comparing service provision with funding. Limitations acknowledged include incomplete data from organizations and the inability to directly engage with service recipients due to time constraints. I discovered that the efforts undertaken by these organizations are indeed making a difference, yet there is still considerable work to be done. This includes placing a greater emphasis on adopting a housing-first approach, which has proven effective in assisting homeless individuals in securing and maintaining long-term housing while enhancing their capacity to access and utilize mental health treatments when necessary.

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