Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
What is Sanctuary Village?
Welcome to Sanctuary Village, where hope finds a home. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization representing a beacon of change for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan area and neighboring counties. Established in 2019, Sanctuary Village is fully committed to creating the first Tiny House village in the region, providing transitional housing and critical support services within a context of community partnership, and personal empowerment and agency.
Our Mission
To provide people without housing with transitional Tiny Houses within communities of care, advocacy, and equitable access to resources to empower their life choices.
Our Vision
A world in which all people have equitable access to supportive community, safe housing, and resources to meet basic human needs, with the agency to create their best life with dignity and acceptance.
Who is supporting Sanctuary Village?
Sanctuary Village is profoundly grateful for the generous support of area foundations, corporations, religious organizations, and individual donors, who have rallied with us to raise over $1M to date in support of our critically important mission. We also appreciate the extraordinary support from our growing list of community partners who are aligned with our mission to serve the needs of those who are unhoused. Our dedicated Executive Director and Board of Directors, guiding Sanctuary Village with passion and purpose, represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including those with lived experience as people without housing.
We invite you to become a part of the Sanctuary Village family: consider sharing your time, talents, or making a financial donation to help us reach our fundraising goals. Together, we have the power to forge a comprehensive network of supportive services and creative housing solutions to combat the homelessness crisis. Restoring dignity and hope isn't just a mission; it's a shared journey that benefits every single person in our community.
Why did Sanctuary Village choose this particular housing model?
With our mission in mind, and an unwavering sense of purpose, Sanctuary Village undertook a detailed study of Tiny House villages across the country to gather data on various transitional housing models. In addition to being cost efficient, many of the models have demonstrated strong positive outcomes on residents’ lives, including helping residents transition to permanent housing. We developed our Tiny House village plan based on the many lessons learned from those villages.
Where is the Tiny House village?
Initially, we plan to house at least 12 individuals. Sanctuary Village is actively searching for the best location for the village. We hope to expand upon this initial pilot project through the development of other villages in the future.
What are the features of the Tiny Houses?
Each residence will have electricity, heat, air conditioning, running water, a full bathroom, a kitchenette, as well as a unique lock to help residents feel secure in their new homes. In addition, each home will include amenities including: (actual items - may vary):
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Bed, desk, and chair
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Foot locker, under-bed storage, and open closet
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Trash basket
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Curtains and linens
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Lighting
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Fire extinguisher
What other facilities will be part of the village?
The current plan is for residents to share a communal kitchen, dining area, laundry facility, television room/library, and meeting space. This communal area will also include private spaces for case management services We also plan to install a community garden, walkways, and other outdoor amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life.
What services will be available to residents of the village?
In addition to transitional housing, access to an onsite food pantry, and emergency supplies, Sanctuary Village will offer residents the following supportive programs at the planned village:
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A coordinated and individualized approach to assessment, case management, and service planning
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Engagement services that facilitate residents’ acceptance and use of needed community services including access to drug/alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, medical treatment, legal assistance, and job and vocational training
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Access to life skills training, financial literacy classes, health education, peer support and 12-step recovery groups
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Opportunities for leadership and peer support through a community committee comprised of participants
Is there a contract that residents must sign?
Yes. Residents will sign a Code of Conduct contract which includes commitments to nonviolence and maintaining a drug/alcohol-free presence, among other requirements. Every effort will be made to help residents remain in compliance with stated policies.
What will governance look like at the Tiny House village?
Our Tiny House residents will have the opportunity to help shape their community culture and policies through group meetings and leadership opportunities. Residents also will be empowered to make individualized choices as they work towards permanent housing. Having residents involved in governance and self-directed goal setting has proven highly successful in other Tiny House villages across the country, and helps each person develop the tools necessary for managing their lives through empowerment and self-determination.
Will residents pay rent?
Upon initial entry, rent will not be required. Once a resident is connected to financial resources, including employment, State funds, etc., a modest contribution from their resources may be required.
Will there be staff on site?
Yes. There will be staff on site to support the needs of residents. Additionally, case managers will report on a regular basis to Sanctuary Village staff to share updates on resident activities and plans.
Are there other ways to support Sanctuary Village?
Yes! Sanctuary Village welcomes volunteers to support our important work. In addition, we welcome your participation in fundraising events throughout the year whether as a volunteer or donor.
For more information on how you can get involved, please email us at: Volunteer@Sanctuaryvillage.net and we will reach out to you.
I would like to stay current on Sanctuary Village’s progress. Do you have a mailing list?
Where can I find more information about the problem of lack of housing?
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Here is a site that provides helpful information: https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/
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The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) conducted a full unduplicated Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of people experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered populations in Philadelphia, on January 24, 2024. Read here: OHS-PIT-Count-Summary-Report-2024.pdf
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Americans are experiencing homelessness in record numbers, HUD report says | PhillyVoice
If you need to connect with resources in your community (Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester or Montgomery County), but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start.
From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free.