Drueding Center
History
Healing Trauma, Restoring Hope, and Ending Homelessness for More than Three Decades
In 1986, the Drueding family graciously donated what was then the Drueding Infirmary to the Sisters of the Redeemer with the intent that the facility was to be used to meet the greatest need in the community.
Recognizing an opportunity to inspire hope, build resiliency, and restore independence for homeless women and children, the Sisters of the Redeemer formed Project Rainbow. It started by repurposing the Drueding Infirmary into transitional housing for the most vulnerable individuals in our community.
Project Rainbow, today known as Drueding Center, continues to provide a pathway out of homelessness with a full complement of residential, community, and child care services for hundreds of families every year. It was the first transitional housing program for women and children experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.
Through the unwavering dedication of our staff, donors, partners, and volunteers, Drueding Center has helped to heal trauma, restore hope, and end homelessness for more than three decades.
“First 5 families moved into Drueding Center.”
“Opened Pennsylvania licensed child care program.”
“Formed the After Care program to serve the needs of the families who had moved from Drueding Center into permanent housing.”
“Launched PEW-funded early childhood Early Intervention Services for the children who lived at Drueding Center.”
“Purchased property to house the After Care program and future site of Bernard J. Drueding Jr. Community Center.”
“Participated in a Head Start/Child Care collaborative with Head Start services provided to 15 children.”
“Completed renovations on phase two of the Community Center.
Moved child care to their new home with two additional classrooms, bringing the total number of classrooms to seven.”
“Added 10 new transitional housing units at 413 W. Master St.”
“Awarded a contract from Office of Homeless Services (OHS) to provide support services to participants in a short-term rental assistance program.
Awarded a contract from the School District of Philadelphia to provide 15 PreK Counts slots in the Child Care.”
“Strategic planning focusing on governance and programming arrived at the outcome to target services to mothers ages 18-24 and become a trauma-informed service model.
Selected by United Way as a Community Partner through their Investing in Results funding process.
Child Care Services earns Keystone STARS 3-star quality rating.”
“Awarded contract to provide comprehensive support services to 300 participants of the Blueprint to End Homelessness program – a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and the Public Housing Authority.”
“Five staff members attended Sanctuary Model training, and all staff are trained in “becoming trauma informed.” Formed a Core Team to implement the Sanctuary Model at Drueding Center.”
“Opened Green Light Food Pantry.
Began management of HUD New Neighbors Program.”
“Earned Keystone STARS 4-star quality rating for Child Care.
Formed Advisory Council.
Achieved Sanctuary certification.”
“Child Care achieved NAEYC accreditation.
Created Drueding Rental Assistance Program (DRAP) in response to the lack of affordable housing for our families.”
“Opened Drueding Center to homeless men and/or couples with children.
Developed a theory of change: Drueding Center is committed to partnering with families experiencing homelessness to build skills to heal from trauma, restore hope, and end the cycle of homelessness through a trauma-informed and housing first approach.”
“Awarded a contract with PHLpreK for 15 slots.”