How It All Began
Elnora "Mama Allen" Allen
Founder & Chairwoman
Elnora Allen, affectionately known throughout the community as "Mama Allen," is the founder and Chairwoman of Mama Allen's Place. Alongside her late husband, Howard Allen, she dedicated her life to serving families, children, seniors, and individuals with special needs through housing, education, childcare, faith, and community outreach.
Housing Assistance
In 1985, the Allens founded and operated Allen Adult Foster Care I & II in Inkster, Michigan. For more than 25 years, the facilities provided safe housing, meals, life skills support, staffing, and access to professional services for over 30 adults with mental disabilities — offering dignity, stability, and support to both residents and their families. The facilities also created meaningful caregiving and employment opportunities within the city of Inkster.
Families, Food, & Essentials
After retiring to Hayti, Missouri, the Allens continued their mission by building a church and children's learning center in 1991. Mama Allen founded Tabernacle of Love Day Care, providing affordable childcare to more than 72 children for over 27 years — caring for multiple generations of families while creating jobs for working parents.
She also organized a state-funded summer feeding program providing meals for up to 300 children per day during summer months and school breaks.
Education & Workforce
The Allens supported educational initiatives through philanthropic contributions, including Inkster Christian Academy, a K–12 charter school founded in Inkster, Michigan in 1988 by Pastor Isaac King Jr.
Following the passing of Howard Allen, Mama Allen returned her focus to Inkster, Michigan — with the support of her family — to continue serving the community through Mama Allen's Place. Today, the organization continues that legacy of service from its headquarters at 4375 Bridgeport Ct in Inkster, Michigan, providing homebuyer education, housing counseling, financial literacy support, senior home repair assistance, and community resource connections to help families achieve stability and long-term success.
Known for warmly calling everyone "Lovey," Mama Allen continues to greet people with a smile, encouragement, compassion, and unwavering faith. At 75 years young, her impact continues through outreach, education, housing support, and initiatives that strengthen families and revitalize communities throughout Inkster and beyond.
