An open door on Kensington Avenue.
First Stop is recovery housing for men and women coming off the street, out of treatment, or home from incarceration. No cost barrier. No time limit. No paperwork at the door.
From the “Walmart of Heroin” to a capital of healing.
Kensington has a reputation. We’re working — day by day, bed by bed — to change it.
First Stop opens its doors to people the system has already given up on. We house men and women who are still actively using, returning from inpatient treatment, or coming home from prison. We don’t require sobriety to enter. We don’t require insurance, ID, or savings. We require that you show up.
From the day someone walks in, they have access to a bed, food, peers who’ve done this before them, and partner services for counseling, therapy, and work. We stay with people for as long as they need us.
- No cost barrierNo-cost to low-cost beds. We’ll never turn you away for not having money.
- No ID, no insurance neededWalk in as you are. We help sort out the paperwork after.
- Peers who’ve been thereOur staff and volunteers include graduates of the program.
- Connected to the city’s bestPartnerships with counseling, medical, and employer organizations across Philly.
This is the work, this is the block.
Outreach days. Cleanups. Holiday meals. The people we work alongside, and the avenue we work on.
Three pillars. One door.
Recovery looks different for everyone. We build the path with you — starting with a roof.
Recovery housing
Safe, sober-supportive housing for men and women in Kensington. Coming off the street, out of treatment, or returning home — the door is open.
Peer support & meetings
On-site meetings, peer mentors, and a community that’s been where you are. Our schedule is open to residents and to the neighborhood.
Counseling & jobs
Strategic partnerships for clinical counseling, therapy, and on-site job opportunities. We help you build the next step, not just survive the day.
What happens when you walk in.
Show up
Walk in at 2418 Kensington Ave, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Or call 215-917-7474. Active users, post-treatment, post-incarceration — all welcome.
Get a bed
If we have one, it’s yours that day. If we don’t, we’ll point you to a partner we trust until we do.
Build a plan
Meetings, peer mentor, counseling, work referrals — we line up the next steps with you, at the pace that fits.
“We’re here to change the story Kensington tells about itself — one block, one bed, one person at a time.”
— First Stop RecoveryStand with small nonprofits.
Your support keeps the lights on, the kitchen stocked, and the door open. We run lean — every dollar moves something real this week, not next quarter.
Donate via PayPalOne-time gift
Other amount First Stop Recovery is a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible.Drop us a line.
Questions about housing, donations, partnerships, or volunteering — this gets to a real person, usually same day.
- Address · 2418 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
- Phone · 215-917-7474
- Email · FirstStopKensington@gmail.com
- Hours · Mon–Fri 9am–4pm (in-take hours)