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Sylvia Welch and Gwendolyn Connor are posingA picture of Adam Clayton Powell

By Jerlena Rhodes

Photograghs by Michael Flowers

 

 


The building of Teams For Self Help
Harlem Teams for Self Help @ 179 West 137th Street

Statue of Adam Clayton Powell Jr.



Sylvia WElch and Gwendolyn Connor
Sylvia Welch, the housing director,welcomed us with open arms

 

Many homeless and those enduring hardship may not know about a five story building with an old rusty YWCA sign hanging on the side. The vacant looking building at 179 East 137th street is home to Harlem Teams for Self Help, an organization dedicated to helping those in need, helping those willing to be helped.

 

 

 

On the day that HarlemLive went to Harlem Teams, there were a number of people sitting on the outside, waiting for the world to pass by. Inside looked as if the building was due to be rehabilitated, with pealing paint, and garbage strewn about.

We walked up a few steps and through the building entrance and midway towards the back. Although the surroundings were somewhat upsetting, we were very pleased with the people we met.

Sylvia Welch, the housing director,welcomed us in what looked like a waiting room. Ms. Welch said that Harlem Teams for Self Help was started in 1962 by Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., in memory of his father, Adam Clayton Powell Senior, as a youth and senior citizens job. Now, the building is used for running an emergency shelter for the homeless and those struck with unfortunate situations, such as floods, fires, those with financial disabilities. They are permitted to stay at the shelter for six to twenty weeks, while they search for permanent housing and financial aid.

During the summer, the organization runs programs for the youth. Such as computer training, an arts and crafts program and there is a sailing club on the weekends. Harlem Teams also rehabilitates buidings and puts them up for rent or sale.

"I find my job very exciting. Our duty has accomplished keeping the funding going," said Ms. Welch.

 

Gwendolyn Connor, the associate director, has worked at Teams for Self Help since 1966. She said her job was educational.

The Teams for Self Help is funded by the City and State of New York.

 

 

 

 

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