Each year, as many as 35,000 people return to Philadelphia from incarceration, often struggling with the same question: “What now?” Returning citizens face a lifetime of barriers, but the first few days and weeks are particularly daunting. They are released from prison with questions about where they are going to live, how they might support themselves, and where they might find help. On September 22nd, 2018, Redemption Housing is partnering with fellow members of the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition for the inaugural Day One Challenge. This three-hour immersion experience will place community members and activists “in the shoes” of Philadelphia’s returning citizens, providing a glimpse of what they have to experience in the days and weeks following their release. Participants of of the Day One Challenge will work together to locate supports in employment and education, obtain their state IDs, and find a place to sleep until they can “get back on their feet.” Upon completion, they will have a greater understanding of the challenges that await a returning citizen and a greater appreciation for the variety of supports offered by Philadelphia’s nonprofit service providers. What would you do if you found yourself fresh out of prison, a social outcast in a strange city with nowhere to lay your head? Could you survive life “on the outside?” Enter Redemption Housing’s Day One Challenge to find out. More information at redemptionhousing.org. Register at dayonechallenge.org. Video by Janelle Delia. Music "As By Fire Between Walls" by Joshua Stamper.

City Church’s ministry partner, Redemption Housing, is hosting the second-annual Day One Challenge on September 22nd in Philadelphia. This three-hour immersion experience will put you in the shoes of a returning citizen upon their release from prison. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about different ministries in the city that serve returning citizens as well as understanding better how Redemption Housing complements the amazing work that is already being accomplished in Philadelphia to serve this population.

City Church will be sponsoring 10 participants for the Day One Challenge, so if you would like to reserve one or more of those slots, please email Will Kendall (williamwkendall@gmail.com) with your contact information and your t-shirt size! We look forward to seeing a good group from City Church support our ministry partner in this way while learning more about reentry in Philadelphia.