Helpful Resources
School-Based Resources
Towne Connections
This program seeks to support Franklin Towne's commitment to a family like atmosphere by providing financial and emotional support for members of the FTC community who are in need. Towne Connections can help with food, uniforms, school supplies and other needs of students and their families. Referrals are made by students, staff, families, etc.
McKinney/Vento Act
In accordance with federal and state guidelines under the McKinney/Vento Act, Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School is committed to removing barriers to education that face students experiencing homelessness.
- Do the members of your household lack a permanent address?
- Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement?
- Have you moved in with another family (doubled up) due to a lack of housing?
- Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis?
- Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household?
If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions, please contact your child's counselor.
FTCES Guidance Counselor: Gina Marie Tortis
Phone: 215-289-3389 x 8044
Email: [email protected]
Financial Resources
PA Department of Human Services
- Provides assistance such as TANF (cash assistance), SNAP (food voucher program), child care assistance, and medical assistance (see below), through Philadelphia County Assistance Offices.
- Philadelphia County Assistance Offices
- COMPASS online application system
Medical Resources
Philadelphia Health Centers (Clinics)
- People who live in Philadelphia can get medical care at many health centers throughout the city. The health centers include: City health centers operated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and community health centers (also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers).
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- CHIP puts health coverage within reach for all uninsured kids and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.
- 1-800-986-KIDS (5437)
- http://www.chipcoverspakids.com/Pages/default.aspx
Medical Assistance
- Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid, and sometimes referred to as MA, pays for health care services for eligible individuals.
- Medical Assistance (pa.gov)
- COMPASS online application system:https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/public/cmphome
Mental Health or Substance Abuse Services
- Philadelphia DBHIDS coordinates mental health, addiction services, intellectual disability services and children's services.
- (215) 685-5400
- http://dbhids.org/contact/
Emergency Mental Health/Crisis Centers
- Germantown Hospital - Phone: 215-951-8300
- Friends Hospital IRC - Phone: 215-831-2600
Housing Resources
Philadelphia Housing Authority
- PHA provides safe and decent affordable housing for low-income residents in Philadelphia. Two main housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing.
- 215-684-4000
- http://www.pha.phila.gov/housing.aspx
Homelessness Resources
City of Philadelphia Office of Homelessness Services - assistance with emergency services and obtaining long term housing, rental and financial assistance.
- Emergency Housing Intake: 215-686-7150)
- http://www.phila.gov/osh/Pages/default.aspx
- Community Resource Guide