Over 35 members of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union gathered at city hall to fight to the right for housing.	All of the homeless families were victims of domestic violence. Many of them are fighting for the children not to be taken away from them, as they are unable to find affordable housing.	As we prepared to spend the night in city hall; we set up a Christmas tree and ate a warm meal.
For many of these families this was the only Christmas tree and warm meal they would receive, being that their only other option was the streets.	Joining us were members of the Adapt and the Simple Way.
The children led us in holiday songs as we waited for someone from the Mayor's office to come and talk with us.		The first to arrive were not from the mayor's or housing office, but from the Philadelphia Police Department.
Several of the woman began to tell their stories of attempting to get housing and fleeing their abusers. The city of Philadelphia does not have any available housing or shelter beds for victims of domestic violence.	Several single mothers tried to privately negotiate with officials from the Mayor's office to receive emergency housing for their families this season. Their requests were denied. During the event no one from the Mayor's office came to speak in public.	Not ready to give up, five members of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union were arrested trying to ensure that these homeless families got safe housing for the holidays.
	Monika Smith, a formerly homeless child, celebratrated her 6th birthday.