This article is part of the "Connecting Nonprofit Partners: Stories of Collaboration" series
More than a referral network, Home Strong is a comprehensive, four-session workshop series designed to enhance older adult homeowners’ knowledge about home maintenance, estate planning, brain health, and avoiding scams. For those who participate, the program also provides home repairs, often supplemented by outside resources when needs exceed available funding.
UUH Outreach, rooted in a 25-year history of in-home support, identifies seniors in need and provides holistic care from social workers, a nurse, and an occupational therapist—while also mentoring students across disciplines. Face to Face brings legal expertise—supporting homeowners through deed clarification, estate planning, and property tax relief. URDC leads essential home repair projects. GACM rounds out the team with practical support and deep community ties.
The Home Strong program provides older homeowners in Northwest Philadelphia with a unique combination of education, resources, and support. Participants must be age 60 or older, meet low- to moderate-income guidelines, and reside in Northwest Philadelphia. Those enrolled in the program agree to attend four weekly seminars, each up to two hours long, covering topics such as:
- Basic home maintenance and understanding aging home systems
- Financial wellness and credit awareness
- Legal preparation, including transferring a home to heirs and reviewing deeds
- Healthy brain aging and strategies to avoid common scams
Each participant also receives:
- A free physical assessment of their home
- Optional deed review and credit check
- Information on city resources for home repair and wealth preservation
Those who complete all four sessions are eligible for up to $2,000 in home repairs through the program.
What makes Home Strong truly impactful is the intentional coordination and the shared mission driving the work. “We trust each other’s work and move quickly to meet our clients’ needs,” said Sara Popkin of UUH Outreach. “Sometimes we co-host workshops, other times it’s about making the right call at the right moment. There’s no red tape—just shared commitment.”
Michael LiPuma, Legal Center Director at Face to Face, agrees: “We’ve seen this initiative give senior homeowners the tools to protect their most valuable asset. Estate planning isn’t just legal paperwork—it’s a way to preserve generational wealth and promote racial and social equity in our community.”
Joseph Waldo, Executive Director of URDC, adds, “Our collaborations provide greater flexibility and responsiveness. We rely on each other’s strengths and fill in the gaps. Our clients benefit from a full range of services we wouldn’t be able to offer alone.”
The impact is visible—and deeply personal. In one instance, a Home Strong participant was living in a structurally unsound home with limited options. Through creative problem-solving and expanded networks, the team connected her with Germantown United CDC and Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. The result? A safe and stable home—and one less person facing displacement.
Participants also express how meaningful the experience is. One shared: “I needed this more than I realized. This seminar was so informative and empowering. It reminded me that I’m not alone.”
The Home Strong collaboration is rooted in more than shared services—it’s about removing barriers, preserving intergenerational wealth, and building community resilience. “This connection reminds me of one of the best things about Germantown,” said Popkin. “There’s a spirit of collaboration here and a shared vision of helping our neighbors age in place with dignity.”
At The Sarah Ralston Foundation, we are proud to support each of these organizations and celebrate the collective impact they are making. We hope this series will continue to uplift the collaborations that are building a stronger future for older adults across Philadelphia.
To learn more about The Sarah Ralston Foundation and our grantee partners, visit www.sarahralstonfoundation.org.