Preventing Homelessness Before It Happens
The Parker-Jenick Foundation invests in proactive solutions to housing instability, preventing homelessness through early intervention and community partnerships.
Our Mission
The Parker-Jenick Foundation is dedicated to combating housing insufficiency by making strategic grants to non-profit organizations working on both upstream solutions and crisis prevention. Research shows stable housing leads to:
%
Reduction in emergency room visits
%
Improvement in school attendance
More likely to maintain employment
%
Lower risk of chronic disease
Upstream Interventions
Funding systemic solutions like zoning reform, housing trust funds, and workforce development to prevent housing crises before they begin.
Crisis Prevention
Supporting eviction prevention through rental assistance, legal services, and mediation programs to stop homelessness before it starts.
Non-Profit Grants
Making strategic grants to organizations implementing evidence-based housing solutions at scale.
Our Strategic Approach
We focus on both upstream interventions that prevent housing crises and downstream, pre-homelessness interventions that resolve immediate financial or legal instability.
Upstream & Systemic Interventions
Addressing the root causes of housing insecurity through systemic change.
Housing Affordability
Funding systemic solutions like zoning reform, housing trust funds, and workforce development to prevent housing crises before they begin.
Economic Stability
Supporting living wage workforce programs with wraparound services, plus efforts to help households access SNAP, WIC and SSI benefits.
Downstream & Crisis Prevention
Intervening when individuals face immediate danger of losing their homes.
Emergency Assistance
Funding targeted rental/utility arrears programs and flexible funds for move-in costs like security deposits.
Legal Support
Funding Right to Counsel programs, housing court mediation services, and tenant education initiatives.
Our Four Pillars of Action
Financial Assistance & Grants
Providing financial support to non-profit organizations working directly on housing solutions.
Mission-Related Investments
Investing in affordable housing funds and community revitalization businesses that align with our goals.
Program-Related Investments
Offering low-cost financing for capital projects and property acquisition to strengthen non-profit capacity.
Civic Leadership
Convening stakeholders and building coalitions to develop comprehensive housing strategies.
Our Leadreship Team
Michael W. Sanders serves as Co-Chairperson of the Jenick Foundation, helping guide the organization’s mission to combat housing insufficiency and promote stable, secure housing as a foundation for health and well-being in our communities.
“Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Barbara has long belonged to a world shaped by continuity, inheritance of responsibility, and an unspoken understanding that certain lives are lived in service to institutions as much as to individuals. Educated in Interior Design, she developed early a disciplined eye for proportion, restraint, and enduring beauty—sensibilities that would come to define both her professional pursuits and her philanthropic life.
Dr. Rolanda McDonald-Johnson, affectionately known as Dr. MJ, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she attended Philadelphia High School for Girls. She went on to obtain her BA in Biology from the University of Virginia.
“Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
As a resolute community leader and seasoned healthcare and business strategist, I bring to board service a combination of governance experience, analytics-driven decision-making, and mission-focused leadership. I currently serve on the Board of the Helene Foundation, supporting families of mothers undergoing cancer treatment through strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and measurable community impact.
Our Impact
Through our strategic interventions, we’re making measurable progress in preventing housing instability.
Numerous
Families Stabilized
Through emergency rental assistance and eviction prevention programs.
$200,000
Invested in Communities
Through grants and program-related investments in housing solutions.
3
Strategic Partnerships
With non-profits, government agencies, and community organizations.
Success Story: The Johnson Family
After Mr. Johnson lost his job due to illness, the family fell behind on rent and faced eviction. Our partner organization provided emergency rental assistance and connected them with job training programs.
“The support kept us in our home while we got back on our feet. Now I have a better job and we’re stable again.” – Maria Johnson
Support Our Mission
Your donation helps us provide critical housing solutions and prevent homelessness before it begins.
Get in Touch
We welcome partnerships, questions, and opportunities to collaborate.