Orion Communities Inc

Programs: Bridge case management is the temporary or interim provision of short-term case management services to assist in a period of transition, crisis or change. Orion's clients may be homeless, hungry, in danger of eviction or having their utilities turned off. In these situations, a permanent case manager may be unnecessary or difficult to engage on short notice; orion works to address these needs through creativity, collaboration and compassion. In 2017, orion communities assisted 1,100 households or individuals (2,800 unique individuals) with their immediate need for life's basis essentials; 200 of these households were homeless for part or all of the year.

community emergency fund - after an assessment of the current challenge and resources, the community emergency fund provides financial assistance for those in critical situations to assist with pressing basic needs or to keep community members from catastrophic losses. This may include housing, transportation, healthcare access, nutrition, etc. In 2017, orion gifted $5,000 - $7,000 per month to our neighbors in need and helped stabilize 1,100 households/individuals with an average of just $70. Funding is stretched with the collaboration of partner organizations and leveraged funds.

community outreach is an endeavor that assesses needs, develops strategies, and provides services that will fill the gaps to in need and at risk populations. Community outreach also raises community awareness and develops a collaborative approach to meet the needs of the community as well as provide an understanding of the existing services. Phoenixville borough council successfully created the affordable housing task force petitioned by orion and signed by 13 partner organizations to address the shrinking pool of housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. In 2018, the borough, developers, and community partners will take up implementation of the private and public sector recommendations.