PHILADELPHIA – September 15, 2023 – SELF Inc., Philadelphia’s largest provider of emergency housing, is thrilled to announce the successful open house event held Sept. 12, 2023, to celebrate the launch of our new youth homeless shelter, Miss Barbara’s House in North Philadelphia.
SELF Board Chairman, the Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode Sr. (former Philadelphia mayor) and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Shirlana Dash welcomed local leaders, SELF board members, supporters, and news media to the event that was marked by enthusiasm for this crucial addition to our city’s resources. Miss Barbara’s House, at 1447 W. Cayuga Street, is poised to make a significant impact in addressing youth homelessness. With its state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated staff, and a strong network of partners, the shelter aims to provide a safe haven for youth ages 18-24 facing homelessness.
SELF plans to offer comprehensive services, such as supportive housing, counseling, educational support, job training, and life-skills workshops, to help these young individuals build a brighter future.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet the passionate staff and gain a deeper understanding of the services and programs that will be offered through Miss Barbara’s House and associated services. Members of SELF’s Youth Advisory Board and former homeless youth who had benefited from similar programs were on hand to help emphasize the life-changing impact that shelters like Miss Barbara’s House can have.
SELF Chief Operating Officer Dr. Shirlana Dash said, “The mission and vision of SELF is to motivate and inspire and empower those in need. This mission is one that through the decades has transcended, and it has transformed. But it has remained the same in the populations that we serve. Miss Barbara’s House will help us to serve even more.”
SELF Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) human services agency that provides emergency and permanent supportive housing, housing-focused case management, mentoring, and other vital services and resources for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities since its founding in 1982 by Dr. Sylvester Outley. SELF is the largest provider of emergency housing in Philadelphia and has an annual budget of $10 million.
