photos: Istagram @projecthomephl
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Project HOME, we’re happy to be the ones to introduce you. HOME stands for Housing, Opportunities for employment, Medical care and Education. It grew from a sole temporary shelter in a vacant recreation center in 1989 to 18 residences, over 10 programs, and three businesses in 2020. It’s no wonder that Project HOME's work has been recognized as a model for ending homelessness by news organizations across the country.
Their impact
With such a vast array of programs in their organization, Project HOME makes a huge impact on ending homelessness and alleviating poverty in Philadelphia. Their mission 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. We strive to create a safe and respectful environment where we support each other in our struggles for self-esteem, recovery, and the confidence to move toward self-actualization.”
In 2018 it was reported that more than 8,000 homeless people, including families, sought emergency shelter in Philadelphia. Additionally, individuals were turned away due to filled capacity.
Dive deeper and you will see that in order to afford a standard one-bedroom apartment, an individual making a minimum wage of $7.25 would have to work 86 hours a week to make the rent each month. There are only 41 affordable housing units for every 100 extremely low-income households (those making $23,850 or less per year). This means 60 percent of extremely low-income households must maintain housing above their means, a recipe for financial instability.
Project HOME pushes back against these statistics and fulfills their mission by offering comprehensive programming to heal the root of homelessness. This includes housing, adult education and employment, healthcare services, and advocacy, and community engagement.
photos provided by Project HOME
2020 Homeless Memorial Day
Each year, nationwide, organizations that help fight homelessness gather and honor lives lost of people who were homeless or formerly homeless and recommit to their mission. In years past this gathering has taken place in person, on or around December 21st, the first day of winter. This year, with no in-person gathering in Philadelphia, consider a donation to show your support or follow on social to find out about online events and memorials.
photos: projecthome.org
Oh! That’s What the “O” is For
The O in HOME stands for Opportunities for Employment. Project HOME has a number of social enterprises which are small businesses designed to employ residents in a supportive, skill-building environment. Each business provides residents with an opportunity to build self-esteem through an encouraging community while providing income and job experience.
Home Spun Boutique (closed during covid restrictions) sells gently used clothing. The generated sales provide income to staff that run the boutique. Take a look at the walls and you’ll find art created by residents that is also for sale. If you need a gift for a friend look no further than the handmade candles, jewelry, and soap, easy to shop for online and all made by Project HOME residents. They have even paired up with DiBruno brothers to create curated gift boxes.
The newest social enterprise is an online book store! Project HOME Books has big goals of keeping a rotating stock of 30,000 books all received through donation. That magic number will allow the business to sustain itself and increase the members of staff, not to mention it will pair great books with readers! Chances are we all have books that have been well-read and are ready to be passed on. If you want to start a book collection drive it’s easy! Ask friends, co-workers, family, your neighbors for books, and you can drop them off at Home Spun Boutique. Due to covid, Home Spun may be closed, so be sure to call and coordinate drop off.
photos: projecthome.org
Connecting to Project HOME
In lieu of our annual gratitude party this year, we made a donation in the name of the PHG Community to Project HOME. Supporting women and families, our donation will help fund programs based out of the Rowan Homes. There are many more ways to get involved, including volunteering, donating, and advocating. Find out more at Project HOME.org.
If you see someone in Philadelphia experiencing homelessness who needs help, please call Project Home’s 24-Hour Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984 or 1-877-222-1984.
We made a list and checked it twice - local shops, makers, and artists, naughty and nice! PHG is here to help you find gifts for even the most difficult person on your list.