![The building of Teams For Self Help](images/building3.JPG)
Harlem Teams for Self Help @ 179 West 137th Street
Statue of Adam Clayton Powell
Jr.
![Sylvia WElch and Gwendolyn Connor](images/thehug.JPG)
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.
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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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