$70,000 Raised for Project HOME

The numbers are in, and the 2018 MidAtlantic Summit raised $70,000 for Project HOME, a charitable organization based in Philadelphia that believes “None of us are home until all of us are home.”

Thank you to all of the sponsors, speakers, attendees and everyone who participated in the charity auction and who purchased recordings of the event!

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Dave Van Horn, founder of PPR, along with several PPR staff members who supported the 2018 MidAtlantic Summit, met with Sister Mary Scullion, founder of Project HOME, to deliver the $70,000 check and acknowledge the incredible work Project HOME is doing.

Thanks most of all to Sister Mary’s and Project HOME’s dedication to eradicating the causes of homelessness, nearly 9,000 men, women, and children have been provided homes, healthcare, education and job opportunities to empower them to attain their fullest potential as individuals. Sister Mary has been named one of TIME magazine’s heroes and icons on their list of most influential people in the world. We are thrilled to financially support them in their ongoing mission to end homelessness and break the cycle of poverty in Philadelphia and beyond.

Students in Project HOME’s K-8 programming

Did you know a portion of all proceeds from the MidAtlantic Summit will go to a local charity right here in Philadelphia?

We’ve chosen to partner with Project HOME, a public charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness. We fully believe in the power of giving back to the community and are excited to partner with this groundbreaking organization this spring.

We recently spoke with Michael Granier, Project HOME’s communications manager, to give you an inside look at who Project HOME is and how they are ending homelessness in the city.

Project HOME’s Mission

“The mission of the Project HOME community is to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society.”
-Project HOME’s Mission Statement

Philadelphia’s poverty rate ranks among the highest in the nation at 26%; yet, they have one of the lowest per capita rates of homelessness – a testament to the progress that Project HOME has made.

But they don’t want to stop there. Their long-term goal is to reduce Philadelphia’s systemic poverty by addressing the root of homelessness and interceding earlier in people’s lives in areas such as education and employment.

It’s through Project HOME’s wide array of programs and services that so many lives are being changed every single day.

How Project HOME is Changing Philadelphia

Project HOME’s housing program

HOME is an acronym that represents the 4 pillars of service they offer:

(H) Housing
(O) Opportunities for employment
(M) Medical Care
(E) Education.

Within each pillar of service, there are multiple programs that assist children and adults.

Currently, Project HOME has 802 units of affordable and supportive housing in Philadelphia for those experiencing homelessness or for those at risk. In the short term, they are providing housing for many people, but they are also providing education and employment programs to those living in their housing in an effort to help them live independently again one day.

In addition to housing, Project HOME is a federally-qualified healthcare center with three locations around the city, the largest being the Stephen Klein Wellness Center in North Philadelphia. They provide everything from primary care to dental services at this wellness center for those experiencing homelessness, along with the wider North Philadelphia community.

Students at the Honickman Learning Center

While housing and healthcare are necessities, Project HOME understands education is a key factor in alleviating chronic poverty in the long term. At their Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Labs, they offer K-8 programming, college access programs, robust adult learning programs, GED programs, internships, and much more.

Project HOME also has several business partnerships across the city that will hire these individuals for internships and jobs as an opportunity to start their careers. These are just a few services to mention, but there is much more Project HOME is doing in the community.  Find out more about their services.

Hub of Hope: A Testimony of Helping Hands, Meeting the Need Where It Is

Hub of Hope location in Suburban Station

With every interaction, Project HOME changes lives everyday. They are bringing people out of homelessness with the assistance they need to get back on their feet. Every Tuesday, Project HOME shares a new testimonial from someone who has been directly impacted by their services. Listen to their stories.

One specific testimonial is not necessarily about an individual, but about a program that Project HOME has spearheaded alongside SEPTA and the city of Philadelphia.

Hub of Hope is an intake center in Suburban Station, a train station for regional rail in Philadelphia, where the homeless community can get a hot cup of coffee, shower, do laundry and speak with Project HOME workers about housing placements. So far, Hub of Hope has had over 36,000 visits that have resulted in 1,429 placements.

The purpose behind Hub of Hope is to meet the homeless where they are in order to build lasting, trustworthy relationships. This venture is the first of its kind, and they hope other cities will carry this same model to their own homeless communities.

How You Can Get Involved

Project HOME is celebrated for the their valued service in Philadelphia

As you can see, Project HOME is truly making a difference in the homeless and impoverished communities of Philadelphia. But there is still so much more to be done.

Here are four ways you can get involved with Project HOME:

    1. Make a financial donation.
      Project HOME is funded by grants, federal funding, and individual donations, so they are completely dependent on the support of others. Learn more about making a donation.
    2. Volunteer.
      Project HOME’s active volunteer program is always looking for volunteers to host a holiday party, participate in neighborhood cleanups, etc. Check out more ways to volunteer.
    3. Be an advocate.
      Project HOME advocates for policies that are more equitable and help low income communities in order to prevent homelessness and poverty.
    4. Call the homeless outreach hotline.
      If you meet someone experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, you can call the homeless outreach hotline (215-232-1984) and get them connected with Project HOME.

    We are excited to partner with Project HOME this April by donating a portion of proceeds from the MidAtlantic Summit to help those experiencing homelessness and poverty reach their fullest potential.

    Note: All photos provided by Project HOME.