On a cool, breezy Saturday morning, colorful tablecloths fluttered in the wind along the 2400 block of North 33rd Street, while the scent of hot dogs on the grill filled the air. The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and Ardella’s House transformed the block into a vibrant hub of resources, conversation, and community care. Residents moved from table to table, picking up information, asking questions, and greeting neighbors.
The “Unity in Action” event, held May 30 in Strawberry Mansion, brought together city agencies, nonprofits, public safety officials, and residents. The goal: connect families with essential services, information, food, and direct support.
Rows of resource tables lined the sidewalk as representatives spoke with residents about housing, property taxes, fire safety, violence prevention, reentry services, and programs for women and families. Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal said the gathering reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties with communities across the city.
“This event is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing outreach and its partnerships with community organizations throughout Philadelphia,” Bilal said.
Ardella’s House, co-organizer of the event, was founded to support women returning home after incarceration. Led by Executive Director Tonie Willis, the organization provides safe housing and wraparound services. Jennifer Lopez, director of operations and strategies, said Ardella’s House owns its Strawberry Mansion residence and recently expanded with a second home in Overbrook.
“Women often come home from prison with nowhere to go,” Lopez said. “They need housing, jobs, stability—and people willing to stand beside them.” She emphasized that the organization offers digital literacy training, restaurant certification, and family reunification support. “We will do whatever women need to get back on their feet,” she added.
Inside the home, the sense of care was immediate. A warmly furnished five-bedroom house opened into a small office where Cynthia Goodman, of One Day at a Time, was administering HIV tests.
Outside, the energy continued. Mommy Haven, a newer nonprofit founded by Alisha Jones, distributed baby formula and shared resources for mothers. Jones said the organization hopes to expand into a residential program where mothers and children can heal and rebuild after difficult circumstances.
Leo Maysonet of the Philadelphia Fire Department encouraged residents to call Philly 311 to request free smoke alarm installations. He also reminded families to take precautions while barbecuing and warned against charging lithium batteries overnight.
The office of Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., represented by Chief of Staff El Ali, emphasized its role in connecting residents to support. “We’re here to stand with the Sheriff’s Office and help Fifth District residents access critical information and resources,” Ali said.
Staff from Philadelphia Water and the Department of Revenue answered questions about property tax relief programs, including the Homestead Exemption, available to homeowners who live in their property as their primary residence.
Meanwhile, PAAN advocates Terrell Coleman and Jerron Rogers engaged residents in conversations about violence prevention and substance-use awareness across Philadelphia.
Well into the afternoon, the block remained lively with conversation, movement, and shared purpose—a reminder of what happens when public service steps beyond office walls to meet people where they are.
“The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office is committed to being more than a law enforcement agency,” Bilal said. “We are a community partner.”
