Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1973 that serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County.^[1] Area Agencies on Aging are created by the federal Older Americans Act and designated by states; in Pennsylvania the Department of Aging oversees them. PCA is not a city department, though the City contributes funding and PCA testifies at City Council budget hearings. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities and help them achieve maximum health, independence and productivity.^[1]

1 Status and governance

Najja R. Orr, who assumed the role in 2020 according to PCA's website, is president and CEO.^[2] As a nonprofit, PCA has a board of directors rather than a mayor-appointed head, but it works under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the City. Its June 2026 presentation reported 322,258 residents aged 60 and older, about 21.2 percent of whom live below the federal poverty level, and 58.7 percent of whom are members of a minority group.^[1]

2 Services

PCA groups services as community and connection (the Helpline, senior community centers, congregate meals, employment services, transportation, health and wellness); help in the home (eligibility assessment, care management through the OPTIONS program, adult day services, home-delivered meals, home modifications, the Domiciliary Care Program); protection and advocacy (Older Adult Protective Services, the Ombuds Program, insurance and benefits counseling, legal services); and caregiver support.^[1] Reports of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of older adults are taken by protective services.

3 Recent initiatives

FY2026 initiatives listed include a benefits enrollment partnership screening for programs such as PACE, SNAP, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate and Low-Income Subsidy; a Caregiver Navigation Program; a Victims of Crime Act program for older victims; a Cooling Project that installed 150 air conditioners in FY2023, 190 in FY2024 and 400 in FY2025 in heat-island zip codes with city funding, in partnership with the Department of Public Health; and a home modification program funded by the federal housing department.^[1]

4 Funding and accountability

PCA's presentation noted that Governor's FY2027 state budget proposals included increases for the PENNCARE line and PA Link modernization, and a 2027 proposed federal budget for related agencies.^[1] PCA's presentation did not break out its revenue by source in the portions summarized here. Public budget review occurs at hearings with City Council and annual public hearings; see Pennsylvania State Government and Philadelphia and Federal Government and Philadelphia.

5 Getting help

Call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or email AskHelpline@PCACares.org for benefits screening and referrals.^[1] PCA collaborates with the Department of Human Services on family issues, Office for People with Disabilities, legal aid organizations, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. This is general information, not legal advice.

See also: Department of Public Health, Office for People with Disabilities, Philadelphia Taxes.

References

1. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, State of the Agency and Budget Hearing, June 10, 2026 (pcacares.org).
2. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, leadership and press kit, pcacares.org.
3. Older Americans Act, 42 U.S.C. chapter 35.