​A Brief History

In October 1984 on a very cold night, Stanley Biddle, a homeless man who was a familiar figure on the University of Pennsylvania campus, froze to death after falling asleep near 38th Street. In response, a small group of students, clergy, and local residents came together to confront the bleak and tragic realities of homelessness in their own community. This group formed the University City Hospitality Coalition (UCHC).

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The first action of the group was to offer one "meal of hospitality" per week that would be open to anyone and everyone who came through their doors. To operate, the founders of UCHC informally solicited donations and recruited helping hands from churches, colleges, and neighborhood organizations. In time, UCHC grew to offer additional evening meals and lunchtime sandwiches on Saturdays, as well as a variety of other support services. Incorporated in 1987, today UCHC is a federally recognized nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.

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UCHC receives no city, state, or federal money to support its programs. Primary funding sources are donations from individuals and religious institutions, and the United Way Donor Option program.

UCHC Board of Directors