Cleopatra Herrera Robinson formed a nonprofit, A Home From Shana Foundation, after her best friend Lashana Gilmore passed away while giving birth.

Since forming the nonprofit, she has worked to address the concerns of Black mothers in Philadelphia, writes Rayna Reid Rayford for Essence.

As someone who has worked at an emergency intake shelter, Robinson has seen the many concerns facing Black mothers, such as low birth weight, birth complications, postpartum depression, mental health, and housing instability.

“Unstable housing adds to health risks for the birth outcome in the mother,” said Robinson. 

Her commitment to fixing this issue has gained traction. Namely, City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson advocated for $250,000 in funding to address Black mothers experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

“As someone who has experienced serious health complications during childbirth, this is personal to me,” she said. 

The funds will help establish LaborLiveLove, Philadelphia’s first and only maternity safe haven.

“LaborLiveLove offers displaced mothers the chance to experience safe and respectful childbirth. This $250,000 grant from Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson will allow us to do that and so much more,” Robinson said. 

Read more about the new funding that’s helping pregnant women facing homelessness at Essence. 

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