About Us
"How wonderful and caring each of you are at what you do for the elderly.
I can never adequately express my gratitude for the care you gave my uncle."
—Barbara, Niece of Resident
Unitarian Universalist House is a non-profit, non-denominational retirement community offering independent living, personal care/assisted living, and skilled nursing care in a homelike
setting. Through our unique Outreach Program, UU House also provides services and support to the homebound elderly in Northwest Philadelphia.
At UU House, our mission is clear: to provide individualized, quality, professional care that is responsive to the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of older adults, the elderly, and frail elderly. Our philosophy and policies reflect the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The result is an atmosphere of dignity, love, and respect for each individual.
UU House is located on West Tulpehocken Street in Northwest Philadelphia. Our facility features a Victorian mansion and award-winning gardens enjoyed by our residents, family members, and staff members.
A Unique Community
When it comes to assisted living/personal care and nursing care facilities, there is no shortage of options. And yet, it can be challenging to find a place that feels "just right." UU House may be the right choice for you or your loved one if you're seeking:professionals who are as caring, qualified, and compassionate as the UU House staff. From those
who provide support services to our healthcare professionals, each and every member of our team
treats residents with dignity and respect. Many have been working at UU House for years or even
decades!
• A warm, homelike atmosphere. Our one-of-a-kind facility features a Victorian mansion that dates
to the late 19th century and exudes character and charm. Our residents love the unique ambience—
including ornate woodwork and rich hardwood floors. And they appreciate that our facility is clean
without feeling "sterile."
• A close-knit community. With just over 60 residents, the UU House community is both diverse and
intimate. Our staff and residents are on a first-name basis, and people have the opportunity to form
close, personal relationships with others in our community. We recognize that our residents are
more than just names or faces; we value them as people and treat them as we would wish to be
treated.
Our History
Dating from 1887, UU House's charming Victorian mansion was originally a family home. In 1933, members of the Unitarian Society of Germantown purchased the mansion to establish a home for the elderly that provided quality retirement services. They named the mansion Joseph Priestley House in honor of Joseph Priestley, a renowned English scientist and Unitarian theologian.By the early 1960s, it became evident that UU House's aging population required additional care. Thus, the Benjamin Rush House was built and later expanded in the mid-1970s to accommodate those residents requiring intermediate and skilled nursing care. For the important work ahead, it was fittingly named after Dr. Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
UU House approached the new millennium with the 1998 merger with Lycoming House. Lycoming House brought a substantial endowment and the invaluable experience of its Board of Trustees, which governed a retirement home in Philadelphia from 1943 to 1989. The income from the endowment is used to supplement existing UU House programs and to support the Outreach Program that serves older individuals in Northwest Philadelphia.
Giving to UU House
UU House is one of the few small facilities in Philadelphia to provide such a high level of care. As a private, non-profit retirement community, we rely on the generosity of donors to meet our mission—and that's particularly true in light of today's rising costs. Even as meeting our residents' care needs has become much more expensive, UU House has maintained low entrance fees and affordable monthly rates.If you or someone you love has benefitted from this unique eldercare community, we hope you will consider giving as generously as your means allow. Our United Way codes are #561 for Southeast Pennsylvania and #3342 for Delaware. If you would like more information about our Annual Campaign and other opportunities for giving, please contact us.
Connections Newsletter
Every quarter, UU House publishes a four-page newsletter highlighting news, people, and events at UU House. The newsletter is printed and distributed via U.S. Mail. However, you can also download past issues:• Connections Winter 2009 [PDF]
• Connections Fall 2009 [PDF]
• Connections Summer 2009 [PDF]
• Connections Spring 2009 [PDF]
• Connections Winter 2008 [PDF]
• Connections Fall 2008 [PDF]
• Connections Summer 2008 [PDF]
• Connections Spring 2008 [PDF]
Contact Us
For more information—or to schedule a personal tour—please contact us today.« Back to Top
Copyright 2008 Unitarian Universalist House
All rights reserved.