About Us | Our Mission & 40+ Years of Service

Our Mission

One Day at a Time (ODAAT) empowers individuals, families, and youth in the Philadelphia area impacted by homelessness, addiction, and other socioeconomic challenges. Grounded in the belief that recovery is for everybody, ODAAT provides holistic, community-based support that promotes stability, wellness, and economic mobility, including services for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, helping people build healthy, fulfilling lives, one day at a time.

Our Leadership

Rev Henry T. Wells

Founder

Henry T. Wells was born to humble parents in Florida in 1929. As a young man, Henry became a strong supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s mission and had the opportunity to march with him in the Detroit March for Freedom.

Learn about Reverend Henry

Mell Wells

President & CEO

Mel Wells is the President and Chief Executive Officer of One Day at a Time (ODAAT). For over 40 years, ODAAT has been dedicated to serving low-income and unhoused individuals and their families in the Philadelphia area.

Learn about Mell Wells

Margaret Wells

Founder

Margaret “Mom” Wells was born in North Carolina, where she was raised in humble beginnings as a sharecropper. From an early age, she understood the value of hard work and faith, principles that would help shape ODAAT.

Learn about Margaret Wells

Our executive team

Chief of Staff