In 1995, dozens of homeless families had moved into an abandoned Catholic church building in North Philadelphia. They were told by the Archdiocese that they had 48 hours to move out, or they could be arrested. With nowhere to go, these courageous mothers and children hung a banner on the front of the building that said, “How can we worship a homeless man on Sunday, and ignore one on Monday?” The families held their own press conference and announced that they had talked with the real “Owner” of the building (the Lord Almighty!) – and God said they could stay until they found somewhere else to go.
That was the spark that lit the fire of The Simple Way.
A group of college students built relationships with those families, collectively purchased a former shoe repair store on Potter Street, and became their neighbors. Before long, they grew into other abandoned houses on the block.
As the neighborhood and its needs have evolved, so have our programs. Through the years, The Simple Way has adapted its work in close collaboration with community members, providing food, clothing, and other essential resources; hosting community meals and neighborhood events; cultivating neighborhood gardens; and partnering with local organizations to strengthen collective impact.
Today, we are a small organization supporting neighbors in building a neighborhood where we all belong and thrive. We find ways to celebrate together. We garden and work to make our neighborhood beautiful. We collaborate locally in practical ways, like working for food security and connecting people with nearby resources. When we run into bigger systems that throw obstacles in our neighbors’ way, we advocate for systemic change together.
Ultimately, we envision all of our neighbors coming to a place of abundance and security that enables growth and flourishing.
We started when a group of friends moved into Kensington who felt motivated to love and care for people in our neighborhood and around the world. Now, we’re a mix of folks who grew up in Kensington and others who became neighbors more recently. Our work is rooted in genuine love for each other.
We are a small organization supporting neighbors in building a neighborhood where we all belong and thrive. We find ways to celebrate together. We garden and work to make our neighborhood beautiful. We collaborate locally in practical ways, like working for food security and connecting people with nearby resources. When we run into bigger systems that throw obstacles in our neighbors’ way, we advocate for systemic change together. Ultimately, we envision all of our neighbors coming to a place of security that enables growth and flourishing.
Copyright The Simple Way | Powered by Hopeworks Technology Solutions