Angel (Copy)
Hi, My name is
Benjamin.
Benjamin doesn't ask for much. A roof. A meal. A fair shot at what comes next. At 64, he's still working toward the life he's always believed was possible. At Philly House, he found the footing to get there.
One Step Closer to Home
Benjamin has lived a lot of life in a lot of places. Born in Africa, he came to the United States as a boy, around eight or nine years old. He grew up in New York City, largely learning to navigate the world on his own. "I had to self-instruct," he says. "I had to train myself to motivate."
For decades, Benjamin made his way. But when steady work dried up in New York, he followed a friend's invitation to Philadelphia. That was 1991. He's been here ever since.
Life, as Benjamin puts it plainly, "wasn't the nicest." A lack of steady employment brought financial instability, and eventually, no place to call home. For a stretch of time in 2023 and 2024, he moved through the shelter system. Then in October of 2025, as the air turned cold, he called the homeless helpline. They directed him to Philly House.
"I was trying to get help with shelter," Benjamin explains. "Somewhere to get a roof over my head for the time being."
Here, Benjamin found more than meals and a safe place to sleep. Since arriving, Benjamin has obtained his driver's license, earned a navigator certificate and is working through computer studies. His next goal: his own place and a taxi license, so he can set his own hours and build toward independence. He's also connected with Philly House's weekly Bible study. "I'm a faith believer," he says. "It's been a while, but it helps."
“I just want to say I’m grateful for all the shelter and the help. What you do counts. It helps people advance themselves!”
Benjamin is 64 years old, turning 65 in July, 2026. He is patient, deliberate and clear-eyed about the road ahead. Philly House is working with him on transitional housing, and he knows the next step of a home is coming. "It's happening slowly but surely," he says. “I’ll be clapping my hands with happiness!”
At Philly House, hope lives here, in a warm meal, a safe place to sleep and the steady support that helps men like Benjamin take the next step.
Thankful for the help he is receiving, Benjamin says:
"I just want to say I'm grateful for all the shelter and the help. What you do counts. It helps people advance themselves!"
Providing Unconditional
Refuge and Hope
Help us provide hope to the homeless, hungry and hurting of Philadelphia.
