About Us
The idea for what is now Saunders House arose in the spring of 1860 when three women visited the Widow’s House in Philadelphia and realized that a similar organization to care for older men did not exist. In July 1860, the Court of Common Pleas granted a charter for the establishment of an old man’s home. The Civil War intervened, and the project was put on hold until a new charter was applied for and granted in April 1864. The Old Man’s Home of Philadelphia opened its doors in 1864 to afford relief and the comforts of home to old men in indigent circumstances.
The Old Man’s Home evolved to be Saunders House and admitted women in 1960. Saunders House moved from its original location at 39th Street and Powelton Avenue in West Philadelphia to its current location on the campus of Lankenau Hospital in 1973. To better meet our local community’s needs, Saunders House added two floors in 1978. This addition allowed for the care of up to 180 residents. Such a large expansion was only possible due to the generosity of the Chapin Memorial Home for Aged Blind.
When the Chapin Home closed its doors, residents moved to Saunders House. As part of an ongoing commitment, Saunders House continues to offer priority admissions for older adults with visual impairments. In return, the Chapin Home’s board continues to provide annual financial support to Saunders House. |
