Overington House Inc.

Transitional living for homeless women

who are in recovery with children.

History of Overington House

Overington House began in 1987 in the heart of an inner city children’s Pastor named Marie Delany. After working for three years in North Philadelphia Church Marie received a phone call from a young girl who had a one month old infant. She told Marie that her baby was sick and was not taking her bottle. The mother was 15 years old and this was her first child. Marie responded immediately and went to the mother’s house to check the infant. After seeing the baby who was very lethargic and could just about open its eyes Marie called 911 and requested medical help. As Marie held the baby she saw the baby’s bottle laying in the crib and asked what was the red liquid inside. "Koolade" the mother responded. Marie felt pain, certainly she knew the ignorance of the children of North Philadelphia, but somehow she was not prepared for this. Recognizing the need, she began classes teaching basic life-skills and parenting to young girls and teenage mothers at the church.

One final note, as of 1997 the "infant" is a healthy 10-year-old in fourth grade.

For information about Overington House info@overingtonhouse.org