History

ACHIEVEability (originally known as Philadelphians Concerned About Housing) was founded in 1981 by community members who were concerned about the future of low-income, single parent families living in homeless shelters or substandard conditions. They recognized that these families needed decent affordable housing and comprehensive support over time if they were to move from welfare dependence to economic independence. Since then, ACHIEVEability has been involved in housing development, housing management, and comprehensive social services to help break the cycle of poverty.

Since our inception, ACHIEVEability has developed 210 housing units from abandoned homes and vacant lots in West Philadelphia, close to the ACHIEVEability services and resources needed by our participants. An additional twelve houses were developed for ActionAIDS, a multi-services organization in North Philadelphia serving people living with HIV/AIDS. Most recently, we completed a project of ten homes specifically for homeownership. Of these, five are already slated to be sold to ACHIEVEability participants, thus seeing them through the complete journey from homelessness to homeownership. Currently we manage 152 homes, having sold 28 properties over the years, many to our participant families.

ACHIEVEability has been recognized locally with many honors and awards.