In November 2019 People’s Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc. announced their plan to integrate into one agency.
In 2023, PEC and YSI will officially operate under the same 501c3, as a single organization, named HopePHL (pronounced “hopeful”). Together, we’ll deliver many of the same services, and some new programs, to help over 25,000 community members, residents, and students annually reach their goals of safe homes, economically secure and healthy families and thriving students and businesses.
The HopePHL Community Development Corporation (CDC) programs respond to community needs and build on neighborhood assets to help bridge the digital divide, expand mixed-income housing opportunities, stimulate economic growth, create wealth, and improve the quality of life for all West Philadelphia residents.
To find out more about HopePHL's other work, go to www.pec-cares.org.
In 2023, PEC and YSI will officially operate under the same 501c3, as a single organization, named HopePHL (pronounced “hopeful”). Together, we’ll deliver many of the same services, and some new programs, to help over 25,000 community members, residents, and students annually reach their goals of safe homes, economically secure and healthy families and thriving students and businesses.
The HopePHL Community Development Corporation (CDC) programs respond to community needs and build on neighborhood assets to help bridge the digital divide, expand mixed-income housing opportunities, stimulate economic growth, create wealth, and improve the quality of life for all West Philadelphia residents.
To find out more about HopePHL's other work, go to www.pec-cares.org.

Arts & Culture: Placemaking
HopePHL focuses on amplifying the existing arts community by supporting many arts initiatives in West Philadelphia. Galleries, film screenings, live music shows and family events occur monthly along Lancaster Ave, bringing out neighbors and visitors alike.
Programs:
• Barnes West (ON HOLD)
• Heritage West (ON HOLD)
HopePHL focuses on amplifying the existing arts community by supporting many arts initiatives in West Philadelphia. Galleries, film screenings, live music shows and family events occur monthly along Lancaster Ave, bringing out neighbors and visitors alike.
Programs:
• Barnes West (ON HOLD)
• Heritage West (ON HOLD)

Building Lancaster Avenue
HopePHL works to improve the Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor through public events that bring shoppers to the district, connecting existing businesses to technical assistance, and creating and marketing available properties to new quality businesses.
Programs:
• Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave
• Business resources
• Business association meetings
• Available properties
Contact: Dante Leonard at dleonard@pec-cares.org
HopePHL works to improve the Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor through public events that bring shoppers to the district, connecting existing businesses to technical assistance, and creating and marketing available properties to new quality businesses.
Programs:
• Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave
• Business resources
• Business association meetings
• Available properties
Contact: Dante Leonard at dleonard@pec-cares.org

Community Resources
HopePHL CDC’s Community Resources Hotline connects callers with all the free services that HopePHL offers.
Programs:
• Public benefit sign-up
• Get health insurance
• Weekly food cupboard
• Employment help
• Free clothing shop
• Free credit repair
• Criminal Record Expungement clinics
Contact: Kevin Brown 267-777-5477 or kevinb@pec-cares.org
HopePHL CDC’s Community Resources Hotline connects callers with all the free services that HopePHL offers.
Programs:
• Public benefit sign-up
• Get health insurance
• Weekly food cupboard
• Employment help
• Free clothing shop
• Free credit repair
• Criminal Record Expungement clinics
Contact: Kevin Brown 267-777-5477 or kevinb@pec-cares.org

Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology
HopePHL’s Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology (CDIT) offers free computer training programs for students of all ages, connects people to high-speed internet at a low cost, and more. Visit www.pec-cares.org/digital-inclusion
Programs:
• Free adult and youth computer & internet classes
• Public computer lab
• Low-cost internet
Contact: Nathan Kuruna (267) 777-5816 nkuruna@pec-cares.org
HopePHL’s Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology (CDIT) offers free computer training programs for students of all ages, connects people to high-speed internet at a low cost, and more. Visit www.pec-cares.org/digital-inclusion
Programs:
• Free adult and youth computer & internet classes
• Public computer lab
• Low-cost internet
Contact: Nathan Kuruna (267) 777-5816 nkuruna@pec-cares.org

Community Outreach and Planning
These efforts focus on connecting community members to each other, civic organizations, and resources, including healthy food access and wellness opportunities for residents.
Programs:
• Food cupboard
• Lancaster Ave Jazz and Arts Festival
• Community meetings
• Special Events
Contact: Yolanda Braxton (267) 777-5893 ybraxton@pec-cares.org
These efforts focus on connecting community members to each other, civic organizations, and resources, including healthy food access and wellness opportunities for residents.
Programs:
• Food cupboard
• Lancaster Ave Jazz and Arts Festival
• Community meetings
• Special Events
Contact: Yolanda Braxton (267) 777-5893 ybraxton@pec-cares.org

Housing and Repairs
HopePHL hosts home repair programs and connects homeowners to home repair grants, loans, and property tax discounts. HopePHL’s housing developments transform vacant buildings, houses, and lots into affordable housing opportunities for renters and owners.
Programs:
• Rental Assistance
• Housing Workshops
• Help with various home repair programs
• Affordable Housing
• Help with property tax relief programs
Contact: Kevin Brown (267) 777-5820 kevinb@pec-cares.org
Rentals: Dawn Burrous (267) 777-5834 dburrous@pec-cares.org
HopePHL hosts home repair programs and connects homeowners to home repair grants, loans, and property tax discounts. HopePHL’s housing developments transform vacant buildings, houses, and lots into affordable housing opportunities for renters and owners.
Programs:
• Rental Assistance
• Housing Workshops
• Help with various home repair programs
• Affordable Housing
• Help with property tax relief programs
Contact: Kevin Brown (267) 777-5820 kevinb@pec-cares.org
Rentals: Dawn Burrous (267) 777-5834 dburrous@pec-cares.org

Community Connector Programs
Community Connectors engage residents to help improve lives and strengthen neighborhoods. They share information about events, resources and opportunities for families. Community Connectors reach people wherever they are, whether at the supermarket, child care center, library, hair salon, school or home. Through conversations and surveys, they get to know their neighbors, connect them to resources, and find out what's needed in the community.
Programs:
• Food Cupboard
• Outreach
Contact: Yolanda Braxton (267) 777-5893 ybraxton@pec-cares.org
Community Connectors engage residents to help improve lives and strengthen neighborhoods. They share information about events, resources and opportunities for families. Community Connectors reach people wherever they are, whether at the supermarket, child care center, library, hair salon, school or home. Through conversations and surveys, they get to know their neighbors, connect them to resources, and find out what's needed in the community.
Programs:
• Food Cupboard
• Outreach
Contact: Yolanda Braxton (267) 777-5893 ybraxton@pec-cares.org