Brith Sholom House sits at 3939 Conshohocken Avenue in West Philadelphia, offering housing mainly for seniors age 62 and up, and the building holds 360 apartment units, some are studio and some are one-bedrooms, with all utilities included. The apartments have private kitchens and baths with support bars, along with wall-to-wall carpets, window blinds, smoke detectors, and hookups for TV and phone, and residents control their own heating and air conditioning, which can be helpful. Within the building, you'll find a dining hall, a cafe where folks can get breakfast and lunch, a laundry room, a library, an auditorium, a chapel, a medical office, and large public spaces where residents can gather. The community offers a schedule of planned social, educational, and entertainment activities, from arts and culture to performances and even fitness classes, and there's an effort to keep these things going so people can make friends and stay connected. A 24-hour concierge helps with daily needs, housekeeping and linen service are available for an extra fee, and there's always staff around who are trained and accessible, which matters to many residents. Medical services are available at all hours, and there's a focus on wellness events, health programs, and different types of care, including illness and addiction support, though specifics aren't always clear.
Brith Sholom House's roots go back to a Jewish fraternal organization, though over time it's come to serve mostly low-income seniors, many of whom are Black, along with Jewish and non-Jewish residents. The place has had its share of problems: the fire suppression system's been broken since 2009, and there've been several fires, like the one in January 2020, plus building code violations-fourteen in total-like pest infestations and roof drainage troubles, so the building's been in disrepair for years. Residents have sometimes faced turmoil, like threats of being forced out, protests, and petitions over rent and living conditions, and worries about unpaid water and gas bills have made life uneasy for folks already on fixed incomes. Ownership has rested with Brith Sholom Winit LP since 2012, but things have shifted with the Philadelphia Housing Authority set to take over in a sale meant to keep rents affordable and address code issues, so there's hope the building might finally see repairs and stability. All these things together make Brith Sholom House a place with a long history, a strong sense of community among its residents, and a pressing need for upkeep and attention, especially because affordable senior housing in Philadelphia gets harder to find as time goes on.
