Gaudenzia at Riverview Wellness Village: Housing+ Hope for Philadelphia

By Tamika Artis, Program Director, Gaudenziaat Riverview Wellness Village

At Gaudenzia, we often call Riverview "Housing Plus" for wellness. If a resident recovering from a substance use disorder is willing to do the work, every support is right here for them. That simple truth that stability, health, and recovery can be accessible under one roof is what makes Riverview unlike any other recovery housing approach by the public sector in the country.

As one of four contracted providers at Riverview, our role is to provide safe, recovery-focused housing in the Acorn and Birch cottages. But housing is only one of many services we provide. We create a supportive environment where residents receive coaching, participate in groups, rebuild routines, and reconnect with family and community. It's not just about a place to stay - it's about building a foundation for long-term independence.

I am the Program Director for Gaudenzia, and when I walk onto the campus each day, I am reminded that we are part of something that has not been done before in Philadelphia and represents a truly unique approach for city government. This is more than housing, more than treatment - it is a new way forward for Philadelphia and for the residents who call Riverview Wellness Village home.

For the first time, all the resources a person needs to build a stable life in recovery are available in one place. Mental health services through the WES Health System, methadone maintenance and outpatient treatment from Merakey, primary medical care through Black Doctors Consortium, and recovery housing through Gaudenzia - together we form a true ecosystem of care.

Already, we see progress: the housing provided by Gaudenzia at Riverview has grown to 95 residents - both men and women - since opening. Alongside the residents supported in Merakey's cottages, the campus continues to expand its reach and impact. People are gaining jobs through mock interviews, families are reconnecting at reunification events, and women are finding new stability after years of struggle. These moments remind us why Riverview exists: to turn resilience into possibility.

This initiative embodies the vision and pioneering spirit of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and her Administration. Riverview Wellness Village is not just another program. We believe it can be a model for how cities can meet the needs of people with substance use disorder and histories of housing insecurity.

I am proud that Gaudenzia is part of this extraordinary collaboration. Together with our partners, we are building more than housing-we are building hope for this City.