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About Us
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History and Accomplishments
Since our inception, Dignity Housing has demonstrated success in providing both affordable housing and quality social service supports to nearly 2,000 adults and children throughout Philadelphia. We have been recognized by leaders in government and philanthropy, receiving awards and praise from the Fannie Mae Foundation, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Enterprise Foundation, The Center for Community Change, and most recently the Preservation Alliance. In total, Dignity Housing has acquired, developed and rehabilitated 150 units of housing throughout the City of Philadelphia.
The Committee for Dignity and Fairness for the Homeless Housing Development, Inc. (Dignity Housing) grew out of the sustained, often controversial, advocacy efforts by Philadelphia's homeless activists during the mid to late 1980's. This period marked a time of extreme homelessness in Philadelphia and nationwide.
In those early years, the prevailing method for addressing the crisis of homelessness was to provide emergency shelter. However, Philadelphia's homeless activists and their allies recognized the limitations of shelter services and rallied local governments for affordable housing and supportive services for the homeless. In 1987, city officials agreed to collaborate with homeless leaders including Dignity's founders, William "Chris" Sprowal, Leona Smith, and now Executive Director Alicia Christian. As a result, in 1988 Dignity Housing was established as the first housing and social services program in the nation founded and guided by homeless people and activists. Over the years, Dignity Housing's commitment to provide comprehensive services for the homeless has advanced with the continued leadership of Ms. Christian and her 20-year partner, Deputy Director Beverly Roberts.
In addition to creating housing, Dignity prides itself in providing supports and opportunities that move tenants beyond homelessness and transitional housing. In 1992 Dignity raised $70,000 to establish the Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund, which has since allowed 91 Dignity tenants the opportunity to complete advanced trade schools, and Associate and Bachelor degree programs from area colleges. Continued fundraising and foundation grants have allowed the Scholarship Fund to provide over $170,000 in scholarship to Dignity adults and youth. Moreover, each year 50% of transitioning tenants move on to permanent housing including fair market and low cost rental, supportive housing, and homeownership.
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Alicia Christian, Executive Director
Dignity Housing’s executive team, Executive Director Alicia Christian, and Deputy Director Beverly Roberts, have been working side by side to empower women and end homelessness since the agency’s inception in 1988. Ms. Christian, co-founder of Dignity Housing, has an impressive background that includes three decades of experience in social program planning, public policy analysis, community organizing and advocacy, and grantsmanship on behalf of low-income, homeless and minority constituencies. Formerly homeless herself, Ms. Christian symbolizes the essence of the strength and potential that exist for women even in the face of adversity.
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Beverly Roberts, Deputy Director
Deborah McMillan, Board President
Assistant Vice President for Social Services
Philadelphia Health Management Services
Jill Felix Colton
Founder and President
Jill Felix Advisors Consulting Firm
Zachariah B. Hughes
Accounting Manager
Jewish Employment and Vocational Services
Mary Klein
Counselor
School District of Philadelphia
Edward Mensah
Program Directors
Steppingstone Scholars
Eric L. Scherling, Esq.
Lawyer
Cozen O'Connor
Marjorie Shiekman
Attorney
Dechert, LLC
Raymond C. Wellbank
Fiscal Compliance Analyst
Philadelphia Health Management Corporation
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