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History

Since our founding in 1981 by the Sisters of Mercy, business professionals and women experiencing homelessness, ACHIEVEability has continuously grown and changed to meet the needs of our community: 

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1980s:

  • 1981: ACHIEVEability, initially known as Philadelphians Concerned About Housing (PCAH), was founded and acquired its first housing units from Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia 

  • 1984-1985: Developed 35 housing units

  • 1985: First tenants joined the PCAH Board 

  • 1986-1987: Recognized as a model program by Philadelphia Health Management Corporation and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  

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1990s:  

  • 1994: PCAH became a United Way member agency  

  • 1999: Opened computer center

  • 1999: Launched homeownership program  

  • 1990-1999: Developed 72 housing units for families 

The front page of our community’s plan Haddington/ Cobbs Creek 2010: A Plane for Our Future.

2000s: 

  • 2003: Changed name from Philadelphians Concerned About Housing to ACHIEVEability

  • 2005: Co-Led neighborhood planning process, resulting in “Haddington/Cobbs Creek 2010: A Plan for Our Future”

  • 2006: Launched ACHIEVEability Connects Program

  • 2007: Developed 51 housing units, totaling 158 homes developed for families 

  • 2008: Established Dewey Homeownership Project, including 10 homes for low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers 

Renovations of the Von Louhr Apartment Building in 2012.

2010s:

  • 2012: Completed $7.5 million renovation of Lawson Residences at Von Louhr which was the first development that successfully utilized Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Historical Tax Credits for project financing.

  • 2014: Hosted first annual Health and Wellness Summer Jam 

  • 2014: Formed strategic alliance with Mission First Housing Group 

  • 2015: Launched WorkSmart West Philly program

  • 2017: Appointed Jamila Harris-Morrison as Executive Director 

  • 2018: Broke Ground on New Market West Community Center

  • 2019: Launched ACHIEVEability Community Development Corporation and Targeted Corridor Management Program for the 60th Street Commercial Corridor

An aerial view of New Market West Community Center.

2020s:  

  • 2020: Expanded programs to ensure residents had the resources they needed to be successful during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • 2021: ACHIEVEability moved to New Market West, a West Philadelphia community services hub

  • 2021: ACHIEVEability celebrates its 40th Anniversary!