Philadelphia Brotherhood Rescue Mission

“Too many Americans are homeless, hungry, or hurting. Some struggle to get off of welfare or drugs or both. Other are seniors who can’t make it on this own, or children with parents in prison. In every corner of America, there are people of all ages in need of help.”

Changing Lives, Changing Communities

Philadelphia Brotherhood Rescue Mission  |  401 E. Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19125  |  (267) 284-0405 Office  |  (267) 284-0404 fax

About Us

Helping the homeless and rebuilding lives since 1908.

The Philadelphia Brotherhood Rescue Mission has been helping the homeless and rebuilding lives since 1908. Dr. Russell Conwell of Temple University was one of the founding fathers of the Philadelphia Brotherhood Rescue Mission; formally known as the Temple Brotherhood Psycho-Therapeutic Institute. As Pastor of the Baptist Temple, Dr. Conwell saw the need to help men who were migrating to the Philadelphia area who were in need of food and shelter.

To answer the need, Dr. Conwell started the Mission which became incorporated in January of 1908. From the 1908 to the 1980’s the Mission operated as an emergency shelter for the homeless; providing food, clothing and shelter to those entering the doors. In addition, during the 1970’s the Mission also operated CAMP SANKANAC, a youth summer camp under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph J. Yeske.

In the late 1980’s the Mission was seeing an overwhelming amount of men dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Because of this the Mission saw the need to begin focusing on helping these individuals overcome their addiction.

Our Work

Last year we provided over 97,000 meals.

The Philadelphia Brotherhood Rescue Mission has been changing lives for over 100 years by helping the homeless, the hurting and the hopeless! But I must say this is no doubt one of the most difficult times I have seen here at the Mission and this country. We are all suffering through one of the toughest financial slumps in history. I don’t believe there is a person who has not been affected by the impact of these tumultuous times in some way.

Over the last year we have seen a considerable increase in our services. We are definitely seeing more people in need; even people who would normally donate to the Mission are now coming to us for help. Last year we provided over 97,000 meals which is up from 88,300 from the previous year.

The loss of a job, foreclosure, sickness, and substance abuse are just some of the reasons for homelessness. But whatever the reason, the Mission is committed to helping those who come to us for help and believe me they have been continuously coming.

Will you remember those who are less fortunate? Providing for the growing needs during these difficult times is not easy, and we need your help. No gift is too small—every donation helps us provide meals, clothes and shelter to those who would have nowhere else to go. But because of friends like you they have hope during this tough season!

You are important to us. We need your help!

Finally, I want you to know we are praying for you. We serve an awesome God and know that we can trust in Him even when we don’t understand all that is happening!

God Bless!

Terrilynn Donnell, Executive Director