Bethesda Project’s Housing and Shelter Programs

As a senior human resource executive, Laura Dabkowski has previously implemented organization-wide strategies and processes that contribute to growth, improved management culture, and robust talent pipelines. Beyond her work in the HR industry, Laura Dabkowski is active with several nonprofits operating in the Philadelphia area. She is a community advocacy leader for the Philadelphia STAR team and a longtime contributor to the Bethesda Project outreach program.

Annually, the Bethesda Project provides hundreds of people experiencing homelessness with temporary, transitional, and permanent housing across its 14 shelter sites. The organization follows a housing-first philosophy and coordinates its shelter programs in partnership with the city of Philadelphia.

The organization’s emergency shelter, Our Brother’s Place, offers hot meals and temporary beds for up to 149 men. Temporary housing sites at several local churches house more than 80 men and 12 women recovering from mental illness or other serious conditions. Once residents are more stabilized, Bethesda also offers permanent housing at eight locations.