Stranded Travelers Program

The first Travelers Aid was established in1851 in St. Louis to assist families that were relocating to California by covered wagon. The Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia was established in 1901 to assisted stranded travelers in Philadelphia. At that time, most stranded travelers were new immigrants to the area, many of whom were trying to make contact with friends and relatives. Communication and transportation at that time was limited and the Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia was created to help these newcomers, typically young women with children or young girls, to secure temporary but safe housing and find family contacts. At the time, there were over 100 Travelers Aid organizations across the country assisting the large influx of immigrant travelers. Travelers Aid is the oldest nonsectarian network of agencies in the country.

TAFSP estimates that currently there are 10,000 stranded travelers in the city of Philadelphia seeking assistance each year. There are many reasons for becoming stranded in the city; including failed travel or relocation plans, domestic abuse crisis, robbery, mental illness, unemployment, and homelessness. Travelers Aid Family Services of Philadelphia is the only local agency attempting to address the needs of this diverse and often desperate population.

When Travelers Aid of Philadelphia first began providing stranded traveler assistance in 1901 services were provided by volunteers and funded by private donors. Today, University of Pennsylvania graduate level social work students, training under certified mental health professionals, work alongside trained volunteers while providing emergency services for stranded travelers. The objective in working with stranded individuals and families is to connect them with their best sources of support. Emergency services provided at TAFSP include:

• Crisis counseling
• Temporary shelter and food assistance for families
• Referral services for singles
• Assistance contacting family and friends
• Discounted hotel, bus, and train rates

City funding for assistance to stranded travelers was eliminated January 1, 2009 due to the City’s severe budget crisis. TAFSP has been able to maintain it expert counseling and advice services and is currently developing alternative sources of direct aid for stranded people in the city.