This year marks HopePHL’s 51^st holiday season providing a safe place for families experiencing homelessness to live, heal, and celebrate what they are grateful for. Gloria’s Place served as the residence for 6 adults and 43 children this year – all families with more than four children who face many obstacles and challenges to locating affordable housing or emergency shelter.

Last month we were informed that the shelter’s contract would not be renewed (see our public statement here) and that families staying here would no longer be supported by the Office of Homeless Services. While our team sought other accommodations for these families, a fire broke out in a housing unit above the shelter last week. No one was injured, but several units were rendered uninhabitable due to fire, smoke, and water damage. For more information, and to make a contribution to assist with the recovery, visit our website.

One of our most joyful celebrations, Kwanzaa Fire & Ice, took place at the Community Education Center on Friday December 8th. This gathering of the community included a jam-packed line up of performances, guests, and activities!

The night kicked off with a live ice sculpting demonstration and a Beyond the Bars musical tribute in memory of Khalia Robinson, a West Philadelphia musician, mentor, and community advocate.

As the night continued there were performances by Jahwula Seapoe and saxophonist Kenny Sykes, Mental Health Moments with Dr. Ashley Poole, a snow globe craft with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, and even art kits gifted to children by the Barnes Foundation.

This Kwanzaa celebration brought together many different groups of people including community members out for a stroll, Drexel students, friends of artists, and many more to spend time celebrating each other.

Everyone was invited to write down a resolution for 2024 or something they wished to release and leave in 2023 on a piece of paper and toss it into the fire. The night ended with lots of laughs and line dancing along Lancaster Avenue.

At the end of November, Gloria’s Place welcomed a very special guest: Former Miss Pennsylvania Billie LaRae Owens. Billie joined children and parents for a special event with the West Philadelphia Reading Captains to stop by for a fun hour of storytelling!

The kids were excited to chat and ask questions after the reading was done. Billie continued their conversation by getting to know the kids more, discussing their likes, dislikes, and future aspirations.

We hope to have the former Miss Pennsylvania back one day!

There are still a few days left to submit pictures of your West Philadelphia holiday decorated porch!

Show off your holiday spirit by posting photos of your festive home, tagging us, and using the #HopePHL hashtag by 12/31 for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

The winners will be announced on 1/5/24.