In 2019, Mural Arts created a Same Day Work & Pay program to address panhandling by individuals experiencing economic insecurity. The model’s success led the City of Philadelphia and other non-profit organizations to create similar opportunities. Same Day Work & Pay provides low- to no-barrier work opportunities for people experiencing economic insecurity, mental and behavioral health challenges, and/or homelessness. The initiative also offers support services and an on-ramp to stable, long-term employment.
SDWP participants work a daily shift of about 3.5 hours and get paid between $50 and $100. The kind of work performed varies based on the employer partner.
The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity serves as the backbone agency for the programs in alignment with its focus on racial equity and economic mobility. Barriers to employment disproportionately impact people of color, individuals experiencing housing instability, and those who were formerly incarcerated. There are six participating employment partners:
Mural Arts: Color Me Back
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 per shift.
- Work description: Painting public murals and art projects.
- Eligibility criteria: Must be at least 18 years old and reside in the Philadelphia area
- How to apply: Visit https://bit.ly/colormeback
Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), City of Philadelphia
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 per shift.
- Work description: Community beautification and cleanup
- Eligibility criteria: Must be at least 18 years old and reside in the Philadelphia area
- How to apply: Temporarily not accepting applications.
Uplift Solutions
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 per shift.
- Work description: Retail, construction, maintenance, and culinary
- Eligibility criteria: Must be at least 18 years old and reside in the Philadelphia area
- How to apply: Email jeff.jones@upliftsolutions.org
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $100 per shift.
- Work description: Landscaping, community cleanup
- Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, live in the Philadelphia area, and have ID
- How to apply: Visit https://bit.ly/PHSworkphilly or call 215-988-8800, press 5
First Step Staffing
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 gift card per shift.
- Work description: Participants will engage in job readiness activities that include certifications, resume building, and training to help prepare for job deployment.
- Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, live in Philadelphia, and have two forms of ID.
- How to apply: All individuals must apply in person at OIC Philadelphia, 1231 N. Broad Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122
OIC Philadelphia
- Program details: Shift length minimum is 3.5 hours. $50 gift card per shift.
- Work description: Participants will engage in clean-up and beautification efforts in communities across the city.
- Eligibility: Must be 18 or older and either currently enrolled in or a former participant of OIC Philadelphia.
- How to apply: Visit www.oicphila.org and click on ‘Apply Now’ to get started.
