Housing, Travel & Safety

Housing

Gateway students will be housed together at the Diamond Street House which is an intentional Christian community house near Temple University. The house has 8 bedrooms and 2 full baths, one for women and one for men. The first floor is all fully furnished communal space: kitchen, dining room, family room. There are several beds in the house, but not enough for everyone. Some people will need to bring an air mattress or other sort of mattress for the summer.

Diamond Street House Address

You will be living at and can receive mail and/or packages at the following address:
Your Name
1633 W. Diamond St.
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Travel

The house is easy to get to off of the SEPTA Regional Rail line or off the Broad Street Subway line as well by several major bus lines. It will be your responsibility to be dropped off and picked up at the above address at the beginning and end of the program. If you are flying in to the Philadelphia International Airport we will work out a ride to and from the airport.

During the summer program all your travel will be covered and you will either be traveling by vehicle, public transportation, or bicycle. You will be given instruction on riding public transportation and if you choose on how to ride a bicycle in the city. You may bring your own bike for the summer, or one will be provided for you. If you have a helmet and U-lock type bicycle lock you are encouraged to bring them as well.

Safety in the City

We are serious about safety in the city. For this reason, we require modest attire and neighborly respect when traveling and walking in the neighborhood.

Every Gateway participants is provided with “street smarts” training upon arrival and we will maintain rigid structures and guidelines for traveling with others during safe hours of the day as a precaution.

Due to these precautions, trainings, and the grace of God, the past 20 plus years of the program have been free from any major injuries.

For more information about safety during InterVarsity urban programs: http://up.intervarsity.org/about/safety.

Also, here is a note to parents from the National Coordinator of Urban Projects: http://up.intervarsity.org/about/parents.