Phyllis Ryan Jackson— Executive Director
Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Phyllis graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in art history and American history. She has lived and worked in the Philadelphia area since then, earning a living as a researcher and an advocate on poverty and women’s issues. Phyllis led efforts to produce a state and city study of homelessness in Pennsylvania in the late 1980's. She has produced numerous advocacy documents and campaigns. She treasures the independence and responsibility of private funding to work with and on behalf of Philadelphians who still have no place to call home.
“There is never a day when I am not confounded by the need to ‘speak truth to power’ on the realities of homelessness in Philadelphia.
On her own time, she honors farmwomen’s work with her commitment to the art of crochet, has never entered a yarn store she didn’t like and has been working for change from the snows of Iowa to the blistering pavements of Philadelphia.
Ruth Holland— Housing Advocate
Ruth Joined SafeHome in May 2006 after a 27-year career working for the City of Philadelphia, including 14 years with DHS. Ruth is the first contact for families, assessing their housing situation, and planning a course of action. She works closely with landlords to find safe, affordable, and adequate housing for SafeHome’s families.
Ruth has always been driven to work with people to help provide support for those in need. She enjoys the fact that she gets to deal with families on a personal basis and that she gets to see the difference she is making in people’s lives.
Kathleen Lewis— Communications and Awareness Director
Kathleen is currently on maternity leave with her newborn son, Luke.
