About
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.
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.
Bring it Home
We’re so honored to have a story that inspires others to act. Has our story sparked a desire for you to follow Jesus every day with your body, in your town?
We encourage you to go for it! Even as we focus locally, we want to see others equipped and active in their own neighborhoods. We do that by partnering with others who offer tools and strategies.
Staff
Caz Tod-Pearson
Director
I am a New Zealander who came to the US to participate in Mission Year back in 2004. Through my work with Mission Year I was introduced to The Simple Way and I moved to Kensington to pursue community with friends and neighbors in 2008.
I love the energy that comes when we come together for celebrations and events, as much as I love quiet contemplative moments.
Kristen Prasetyo-Utomo
FINANCIAL MANAGER
I spend most of my time dealing with finances. I love seeing numbers match up. I love seeing a balanced budget. I believe that one way we can honor God is by being responsible with what God has given us. I love that my job’s focus is to do just that.
Katerina Love
Food Distribution Assistant
I love working at The Simple Way. It’s been my great joy to work with my neighbors here, to see familiar faces every day. Seeing their joy when they come to food distribution makes my day. Being rooted together makes us strong. I love this neighborhood, and I’ll be here as long as the people of Kensington will have me.
Jen Casselberry
Operations and Development Director
I keep participating in this work of transformation, not only because of how much hope it gives me to see people engaging with each other and the world in new and beautiful ways, but also because my own transformation continues as I stay in this space of learning, asking questions, and challenging myself. I’m grateful to be part of this work that is continually moving me toward more compassion and deeper love.
Gerald Lumarque
Grounds Keeper
CHRISTINA ARROYO
FOOD DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANT
Our Story
IT ALL STARTED WHEN…
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 few years after the takeover of the church ended — in January 1998 — some of the students who had been a part of that movement pooled their money together and bought 3234 Potter Street. They took an old shoe repair store and made it their home. Before long they grew into other abandoned houses on the block.
Since that experience in 1995, we have been inspired by the early church in the book of Acts, where the Bible says the early Christians shared all their possessions in common, gave freely to those in need, and met in each other’s homes for worship. The Gospel was lived out of dinner tables and living rooms.
And now – after over two decades — an intentional community has turned into a little village of neighbors sharing life and working together.