For nearly 22 years, Helena E. Boyle made life-changing connections with vulnerable people as an outreach specialist for Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center. Day after day, Boyle took to the streets of Philadelphia and worked tirelessly to build relationships with individuals struggling with substance use disorder, homelessness, and mental health crises. On September 9, she passed away suddenly at 57. The loss of this unforgettable mentor, loyal friend, and fierce protector of the underdog hit Hall-Mercer, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the city hard.
“Helena was never one to back down in the face of a challenging or uncomfortable situation; she wasn’t afraid to go to the top to get the resources she needed. Her focus was on meeting the needs of the people on the streets and educating people who didn’t understand why people are on the streets,” said Patty Inacker, DSW, MBA, administrator of the Behavioral Health Service Line, who worked with Boyle for more than two decades. “She didn’t put on any airs, but she took great pride in who she was, how far she came, and in her work. She was a mentor for so many — the gold standard for community outreach.”
Boyle was committed to meeting people where they were and offering guidance persistently, but at their own pace. She understood the power of ensuring people felt seen; whether she met someone for the first time or the tenth, she treated them with dignity, respect, and endless compassion. She shared banana bread and coffee with underserved community members in Kensington, helped homeless individuals stay safe during Code Red and Code Blue weather conditions, and became a familiar sight in the Jefferson and Suburban train stations, where she worked alongside SEPTA police. Clad in her yellow safety vest and carrying a backpack filled with fresh socks and Wawa gift cards, Boyle was always ready to strike up a conversation and share information about community resources.
She even temporarily took custody of a baby named Bella. Boyle had previously helped Bella’s father find a shelter, recruited PAH nursing colleagues to teach him how to properly care for her, and provided him with diapers, clothes, and toys. When Bella’s parents were unfortunately arrested, Boyle stepped up again, volunteering to care for her for a few months before she was placed into foster care. “Helena absolutely saved Bella from living on the streets,” Inacker said. “That will stay with me all of my life.”
Boyle frequently noted that if she could connect just one person with the treatment they needed and get them off the streets, she’d consider that a success — and she succeeded many, many times over. Her legacy of radical love, unconditional empathy, and selfless service will inspire our staff and community for years to come.