School-Based Resources
Towne Connections
This program seeks to support Franklin Towne's commitment to a family like atmosphere by providing financial and emotional support for members of the FTC community who are in need. Towne Connections can help with food, uniforms, school supplies and other needs of students and their families. Referrals are made by students, staff, families, etc.
COVID 19 Resource
Important resource for low-income families in Pennsylvania who have had a recent loss of income:
Human Services Launches Emergency Assistance Program to Help Low-Income Families Amidst COVID-19
· Families who qualify will be eligible for a one-time payment to assist them in meeting basic needs and help them secure more stable financial footing in the future.
· The program will be open to families with a child under the age of 18 or a woman who is currently pregnant.
· In order to qualify, families must have at least one person in the household who was employed as of March 11, 2020 and experienced an hour or wage reduction of at least 50 percent for two weeks or more or lost employment entirely due to the public health crisis.
· The emergency assistance application is available online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Families should be prepared to submit all necessary documentation with their application to expedite processing and avoid having to apply again. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 11 through June 12 or until all funds are expended.
Emergency rental assistance program: https://phlrentassist.org/
Food Resources
Ear Right Philly, previously Eat.Right.Now is dedicated to educate, support, and inspire improved school wellness and culture so School District of Philadelphia students and their families can live a healthy lifestyle and achieve their fullest potential. Please visit http://https//www.philasd.org/nutrition/ or view ERP School Based Food Access 2019.pdf
Homelessness Resources
Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)
In accordance with federal and state guidelines under the McKinney/Vento Act, Franklin Towne Charter Schools are committed to removing barriers to education that face students experiencing homelessness.
- Do the members of your household lack a permanent address?
- Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement?
- Have you moved in with another family (doubled up) due to a lack of housing?
- Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis?
- Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household?
- If you or your child fit into any of these categories, please contact our Homelessness Liaison:
- Please see the PDE website for more information on the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Act:
Dignity House Shelter: https://www.dignityhousing.org/
City of Philadelphia Office of Homelessness Services - assistance with emergency services and obtaining long term housing, rental and financial assistance.
Other House Resources
Philadelphia Housing Authority
- PHA provides safe and decent affordable housing for low-income residents in Philadelphia. Two main housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing.
Volunteers of America Family Housing: https://www.voa.org/find-housing
Financial Resources
PA Department of Human Services
- Provides assistance such as TANF (cash assistance), SNAP (food voucher program), child care assistance, and medical assistance (see below), through Philadelphia County Assistance Offices.
- Philadelphia County Assistance Offices
- COMPASS online application system
Medical Resources
Philadelphia Health Centers (Clinics)
- People who live in Philadelphia can get medical care at many health centers throughout the city. The health centers include: City health centers operated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and community health centers (also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers).
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- CHIP puts health coverage within reach for all uninsured kids and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.
Medical Assistance
- Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid, and sometimes referred to as MA, pays for health care services for eligible individuals.
Mental Health or Substance Abuse Services
- Philadelphia DBHIDS coordinates mental health, addiction services, intellectual disability services and children's services.
Emergency Mental Health/Crisis Centers
- Germantown Hospital - Phone: 215-951-8300
- Friends Hospital IRC - Phone: 215-831-2600
Additional Resources
National Giving Alliance (NGA) is a Philadelphia-area based nonprofit that provides New Clothing and Coats to homeless and low-income children, women and men. NGA received a grant to provide new clothing to area school children.
We would like to make sure we provide those who are homeless, in foster care or are low-income with new clothing. Please contact your child's counselor for more information.
Penn Medicine's Hospice offers two programs, Camp Erin Philadelphia and Grief Research: Rediscovering Family, Rediscovering Fun.
Camp Erin is a free bereavement camp for youth who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6-17 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills and make friends with peers who are also grieving. For more information and to fill out an application, please visit www.pennmedicine.org/camperin
Grief Research: Rediscovering Family, Rediscovering Fun is a program designed for families in their second and third years after a significant death. There are workshops throughout the year that promote healing and building resilience as a family unit, through fun shared experiences. For more information, please visit www.pennmedicine.org/griefreach