Stranded Travelers Program

Travelers Aid has assisted stranded travelers in Philadelphia from its inception in 1901. At that time, most stranded travelers were new immigrants to the area, many of whom were trying to make contact with friends and relatives who had immigrated to the country years earlier. Communication and transportation at that time was limited and the Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia was created to help these newcomers to secure temporary housing and connect with their friends and relatives. There were over 100 Travelers Aid in the country at that time because of the large numbers of low income people who were relocating throughout the country. The first Travelers Aid was established in1851 in St. Louis to assist families that were relocating to California by covered wagon. Travelers Aid is the oldest nonsectarian network of agencies in the country.

The Philadelphia Travelers Aid initially assisted families who were arriving by ship and train from other countries or other cities in the United States. All of the services were provided by volunteers and all of the funds were donated.

Travelers Aid of Philadelphia continues to this day to offer emergencies services to stranded travelers in the City. There are an estimated 10,000 stranded travelers in the City each year. Most are low income and one-half are homeless. There are many reasons for becoming stranded in the city, including failed travel or relocation plans, domestic abuse, robbery, mental illness, unemployment, and the like.

Our Emergency Services consist of crisis counseling by socials work staff, temporary shelter, food vouchers, payment of medical supplies and sundries, and transportation assistance. These services are provided at our Emergency Services office located at 112 North Broad Street and are funded by contracts with the City Office of Supportive Services, FEMA, and the United Way. The objective working with the individual stranded travelers is to connect them with their best sources of support and that many times is assisting them in their transportation back home or to a new location. Each year the Emergency Services office assists approximately 1500 stranded travelers.