Staff & Residents Share Their Thoughts, Feelings, & Memories
Twenty Years of Leardership
Alicia Christian, Executive Director
Beverly Roberts, Deputy Director
We were admittedly taken aback; it was April 1988, the first Dignity Housing family was proudly entering the front door of their home amidst a small media onslaught, several politicians, Dignity staffers, well wishers, and unfortunately, a few loud hecklers --neighbors who did not want us in their community. As has become our custom over the twenty years that we’ve worked together, we looked beyond the challenges and embraced the opportunities and hope that we knew existed. We would not be moved because we believed our homeless families deserved a chance to rebuild their lives. Less than one year later, a Philadelphia Daily News editorial noted:
...Edith Morris ran into opposition from her neighbors when she moved into Dignity Housing in the lower Northeast. Everyone was worried about their property values going down and the problems those kinds of people would bring to the area. Morris is now vice president of the neighborhood block club...Something must be done to end the national embarrassment of homelessness. Dignity's program is closer to the right thing than all the concerned talk...soup kitchens...and shelters. March 23, 1989
We have had twenty years to learn from the Dignity experience, and the successes in the lives of the families we serve form the foundation for hope and new directions. We are here today because, over the years, so many different supporters have been there for us — valued individual donors, foundations, corporations, city agencies. With your help, Dignity Housing will continue to build community, create leaders, and make positive changes in the lives of homeless and low-income citizens.
Every Step of the Way...
In 1988, Dignity Housing opened the doors to its first 100 affordable homes in Philadelphia,establishing the first housing and social services program in the nation founded and guided by homeless people and activists. Twenty years later, Dignity has provided affordable housing to nearly 2,000 adults and children, and helped hundreds move back into the workforce, making homeownership and independent living a reality for many families that thought hope was lost.
Each of our resident’s paths to self-sufficiency is unique and never simple. Some are working to remain clean and sober, others are working to improve job skills, and all are learning how to become productive citizens of their community. Whether taking their first step towards self-sufficiency or making their final stride toward total independence, Dignity Housing is committed to helping every step of the way. We have given some of our past and current residents a chance to tell their stories of growth and hope in their own words. This issue of Spotlight is dedicated to them and the hundreds of others that found DIGNITY.
The Early Years...
Esther Bowen
“They (Dignity Housing) want to encourage what already exists in you. Sometimes life has beaten you down so bad that you don’t even remember what you used to want out of life or how to get there. Dignity encourages you to wake up and tap into those lost dreams and supports and encourages you to reach them.”
“I used to, I still do, look up to Beverly and Alicia. I have always been so impressed with their confidence, success, and passion, and especially that they were so willing to share their strength with other women.”
Today...
Haneef Nelson
Haneef Nelson and his family were Dignity residents in 1989 when Mr. Nelson was just a teenager. Mr. Nelson reports that he, his two siblings, and his mother are all still grateful to Dignity Housing for securing their success as individuals and as a family. He recollects how being in the program gave him and his siblings a feeling of certainty and stability. “A home is priceless in the life of a child. If you don’t have that foundation, you end up with a whole other set of problems. Dignity gave my family that foundation, that security in our lives, and from that we had something solid and stable to start each day with.”
Claudette Boyd
Claudette Boyd and her five children were residents in one of the first Dignity homes in 1989. Ms. Boyd gives credit to Dignity for helping her to learn how to live life clean and sober so she could be a good parent to her children. She recalls, “It was a wonderful experience. I still have a lot of affection for the people at Dignity. What makes this program different is that it is an ongoing process of re-learning basic skills and doing things that sometimes you really don’t want to do. But if you put your whole heart into it, and you really commit to staying sober, saving money, or doing volunteer work, things begin to change. It’s doing the little things right every time that make you successful. I had to start my life all over again when I started Dignity, but they taught me the skills to figure it out. I just had to bring the commitment.”
The Middle Years...
Valena WilliamsTull
Valena accurately sums up Dignity Housing as a program that gives people a “Help Up, not a hand out.” She says, “The program offers windows of opportunities that others don’t offer…I believe that if you do not have any ambitions then this program would not work for you, but if you want to be successful, then I say ‘Dignity Housing is the place to be!’
Today...
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Coretta Heath
When Ms. Heath recalls her initial connection with Dignity Housing, she describes feeling both fear of her past and hope for the future. “I had the dignity and pride to succeed, I just didn’t know how to develop it.”
Throughout her time at Dignity, Coretta experienced success and growth in many important areas of her life. After acquiring her GED through Philadelphia Community College, she worked at DII as a Peer Monitor, giving former victims of domestic violence and substance abuse “my will, my hope and my experience of recovery.” Her experiences as a Peer Monitor motivated her to apply for a Dignity Scholarship and enroll in Philadelphia Community College to get her Associates Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
Ms. Heath went on to purchase her own home, and in 2005 she was promoted to Administrative Assistant at Gaudenzia, Inc., a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center
Leslie Scott
When I was in the Dignity program, it was like being a part of a family. I loved workshops, as did my kids. I almost didn’t want to leave,” said Leslie Scott.
“I’ve always seen myself as an independent person, but Dignity helped me to become more independent, and provided me with a sense of direction while returning some of the self-esteem that I had lost.” She went on to explain how her returned sense of confidence impacted her entire family. “If I can’t help myself, I can’t help my children. If I can take care of those two things, I can concentrate on bettering all our lives through my continued learning.”
The Future of Dignity...
The Martey Family
Ebenezer Martey and his three children are one of the most recent families to enter Dignity Housing.
Like many other past and current tenants, Mr. Martey expressed a newly found sense of peace upon starting the Dignity program. He describes, “When you are in the shelter system, it is complete chaos and uncertainty every day. You don’t get to dictate where your kids sleep or when you can eat. The time spent there allowed me to recognize that now I am truly blessed. My children now have a sense of peace and security.”
“Most importantly, we walked this distance together and are going to be a stronger family because of all these struggles.” Mr. Marty expressed endless gratitude for his caseworker, Robin. “She helped me keep my head up, just knowing that there was someone there who cared made all the difference in the world.”
Mr. Martey stated that now he must prove to Dignity that he will not let them or his children down. Dignity has changed my entire life. This program is truly a blessing. For those who want to succeed in life and who want to become self-sufficient but just need one last shot, the help is here. Dignity is here. You just have to want it. There really are no excuses if you truly want it.”
Recent Graduates of Dignity Housing
Janita Roberts
Upon her departure from Dignity Housing, Ms. Roberts stated that “God brought me to Dignity for many reasons” and that she is proud of the goals she set for herself and for her achievements. She knows that she will continue to set goals for herself in the future, and is ery thankful to Dignity for “helping her through."
Today...
Annie Fulcher
“I am grateful for all the things that Dignity has provided to me over my time here. The program was a blessing and has taught me more then I knew possible about how to be a better person.”
Today...
Renee Haddock
“Dignity II was about me and my family…with hard work and support I was able to accomplish so many of my family’s goals. The program helped me to know myself better, which allowed me to provide more for others.”
Today...
Chantel Butler
Her final remarks; “thanks to all of Dignity! Gratitude is a memory of the heart. You’ve all been so wonderful. Please know your kindness will always be remembered.”
Denise O'Malley
She advises those still struggling with homelessness and substance abuse to realize that a better way of living does exist and help is available. “One person helping one person can help a generation,” she proclaims.
Click THIS LINK to view our Timeline, Celebrating Two Decades of Dignity!!
Deputy Director 
“They (Dignity Housing) want to encourage what already exists in you. Sometimes life has beaten you down so bad that you don’t even remember what you used to want out of life or how to get there. Dignity encourages you to wake up and tap into those lost dreams and supports and encourages you to reach them.” 
Today...
