Lutheran Settlement House is thrilled to announce something big: big for LSH, big for our community, and especially big for the people we serve.
You might not know this, but throughout the history of Jane Addams Place, our family shelter, we’ve been renters. Seven years ago, our shelter nearly closed its doors when we were forced to move from our West Philadelphia location, until we were saved at the last minute by moving to our current location at 10th and Lehigh. Closing would have meant the loss of housing for 25 families each night. That’s 100 people, about 70 of whom are children, who would have been left without a place to stay. We refused to let that happen then, and we can’t risk facing that threat again.
With that history as context, we’re excited to share that we are no longer renters. We control our own future. Lutheran Settlement House has purchased Jane Addams Place! Owning our building means permanence – a safe foundation that no lease or market shift can take away. It’s a rare chance to turn vulnerability into stability, not just for us, but for the families who depend on us every night.
There is so much uncertainty in our community right now, from families struggling with rising costs to social service organizations navigating funding cuts. Too often, survival feels like leaping from one crisis to the next, praying you don’t fall. We don’t want the families we serve just to survive – we want them to thrive. And we don’t want to worry about our survival, where this work will happen after a lease expires. By purchasing our building, we can focus on what’s most important: welcoming people with compassion, connecting them to the resources they need, and reminding them of their strength. That’s how we create change, in people’s lives, and in our community.
To make the purchase of our shelter building possible, LSH sold a plot of land we’ve owned since 1999 across the street from our Fishtown location. We know that the sale of this land will create change in our community, and we’re grateful for the understanding of our neighbors. Fishtown residents have been part of our mission for decades, as neighbors, volunteers, donors, and clients; their partnership is what makes our work possible. We are grateful for this community’s care and compassion.
This sale not only makes the purchase of our building possible, but it also creates financial stability for programs that reach more than 6,000 older adults, survivors of domestic violence, and neighbors facing food insecurity each year.
None of our neighbors should go to bed hungry. None of our elders should feel isolated. No one should be unsafe in their relationship. And no family should wonder where they will sleep at night. That’s what purchasing Jane Addams Place is all about. It is our commitment – one that began in 1902 – to be here whenever anyone needs us.
Thank you for being with LSH when we’ve needed you, and thank you for being part of the future we are building together.
With gratitude,
David Chiles, Executive Director and
Sarah Engel, Board President
For questions or concerns, please email community@lshphilly.org.
