HOME Word Blog

Project HOME Announces Grand Opening of Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building

Newest Residence at 2415 North Broad Street Made Possible by the Vision and Generosity of Local Advocates and Long-time Supporters of Project HOME

Brightly-colored flowers blaze across a glass wall in our JBJ Soul Homes residence. Their petals are adorned with images of Project HOME community members from over nearly three decades.

The art installation, Growing Free (one of many that beautify our residences and facilities) was the conception of Philadelphia-based artist Meg Saligman. The inspiration, however, came from a source closer to home.

Because the dark doesn’t hurt so much, I am grateful for my little adapted room-darkened apartment at Kate’s Place. I am grateful for gloomy days when independent living gets a wee bit less painful, though I have to wear my prescribed black visor over glare goggles in any weather. I am grateful for screens that do not point at me, causing pain and brain problems. Especially, I am grateful for how the screen in the lobby can get turned off by a remote at the front desk if I have to be there.

Project HOME began operating the Hub of Hope back in 2011 as a safe space for the most vulnerable persons who were homeless and sleeping in the concourses of Suburban Station in Center City Philadelphia. Folks came in seeking case-management services in order to access shelter or permanent housing. If people wanted to seek treatment for their substance abuse, the case management staff would also assist with that. Many times people that are living on the streets do not access health care easily. The Hub of Hope provides a safe space for folks to sit and meet with doctors.