Sisters PHL is an expansion initiative founded by Sisters PGH, a trusted Black trans-led nonprofit organization that has been serving trans and non-binary communities across Pennsylvania for over a decade through direct services, advocacy, leadership development, behavioral health support, and housing assistance.

Founded and led by Ciora Thomas, Sisters PGH has built a strong reputation throughout Pennsylvania for providing community-centered support rooted in lived experience, integrity, and sustainability.

Through our work in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Sisters PGH has provided:
- Housing support
- Rent and utility assistance
- Emergency shelter assistance
- Behavioral health and therapy support
- Resource navigation
- Leadership development
- Community programming
- Advocacy and direct support for trans and non-binary communities, especially Black and Brown trans communities

Now, we are intentionally expanding this work into Philadelphia through Sisters PHL.

Sisters PHL officially began programming and services in March 2026 with a small startup budget supported through Sisters PGH’s general operating funds. Since launching, we have already hired a part-time Sisters PHL Programs Coordinator, AJ Scruggs, and have begun building community partnerships and direct support systems within the city.

Sisters PHL is also operating in direct partnership with TPAC (The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium), located at 112 North Broad Street in Philadelphia. TPAC provides community-centered support services including case management, education, prevention services, support groups, testing resources, and general healthcare support. (Philadelphia FIGHT)

Through this partnership and broader community collaboration, Sisters PHL is currently supporting:
- Emergency shelter assistance
- Rent and utility support
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Community outreach and engagement
- Drop-in support services
- Behavioral health and wellness infrastructure development
- Community hygiene and resource distribution

This work is deeply personal to us. We understand firsthand the barriers trans and non-binary communities face when trying to access stable housing, affirming care, resources, and safety.

Sisters PHL is not about performative expansion. It is about building intentional systems of care, support, and advocacy for our communities in Philadelphia.

Our goal is to intentionally grow Sisters PHL into a sustainable, community-centered program that mirrors the impact and infrastructure Sisters PGH has built in Pittsburgh while remaining collaborative with existing Philadelphia organizations and leaders.

As we continue building this initiative, donations will directly support:
- Emergency assistance
- Housing support
- Community resource distribution
- Hygiene and wellness supplies
- Operational and staffing support
- Community programming
- Fundraising and sustainability efforts
- The future development of an independent Sisters PHL space

We are building this intentionally, step by step, with integrity and accountability at the center.

Whether you make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor, your support helps us continue building sustainable trans-led infrastructure and direct services in Philadelphia.

Thank you for believing in this work and investing in our communities.

SisTers PGH is a BLACK and TRANS-led non-profit organization which serves POC, trans, and nonbinary people within Southwestern PA.

SisTers PGH provides opportunities for our trans communities of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County to thrive through our affirming programming that includes transitional housing, leadership roles, and initiatives that are created by trans people for trans people. SisTers PGH is led by Founder/Director Ciora Thomas and directed by a Leadership Team of black, brown, Transgender, and nonbinary people geared to servicing and centering our QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People Of Color.

Support Sisters PHL: Building Community, Housing & Direct Support For Philadelphia's Trans Community

An expansion of Sisters PGH, bringing direct support, advocacy, housing assistance, and community care to trans and non-binary communities in Philadelphia.

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