Our New Year's Resolution
In 2018, we resolve to continue working to ensure that Philadelphians who have experienced homelessness will have a safe place to call home. We further resolve: To provide healthcare services to those who need it most, regardless of ability to pay. To provide education and employment opportunities to vulnerable adults and children that will enable them to lead their best lives. To advocate for equitable legislation and on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.
To continue living the vision that none of us are home until all of us are home.
As we look forward to the beginning of a new year, the Project HOME community is filled with optimism and hope!
When we started Project HOME nearly 30 years ago, we often wondered—Would other leaders join us? Would we be able to help the many people suffering on the streets and reverse the tide of homelessness in our city?
We continue to ask ourselves questions today—will young adults find the courage within themselves to seize the opportunities in education and employment that await them? Can we build a restorative community of recovery to help those suffering from addiction? Can we successfully advocate on behalf of the poor and help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in our city, the poorest of all the major cities in the U.S.?
We are happy to report that the answer to all these questions is a resounding YES—but not alone! We are deeply grateful for all that you have helped achieve this past year.
On December 6th, we broke ground on the 6th MPower development—the Gloria Casarez LGBTQ-friendly Young Adult Residence. This will be 30 units of permanent supportive housing for young adults aging out of foster care or who are otherwise homeless. This is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and among the first in the nation.
Since 2012, we have served more than 15,000 people and housed more than 800 chronically homeless Philadelphians. Through the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs, there are 67 adults and young adults in college this year. The Haas Initiative for Employment and Recovery has enabled hundreds of people who were once homeless to gain employment and recovery. Your investment is reaping huge dividends in the lives, hopes, and dreams of thousands of people.
Among large cities in our nation, Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate but one of the lowest per capita rates of people living on the street. Yet for all of our progress, there are daunting challenges ahead. We will not and cannot rest until everyone in our city is home.
This would not be possible without your generosity and leadership. You give us so many reasons to hope and continue to work hard to achieve our mission. We are so proud to live in a city that cares passionately about those who are most vulnerable and struggling.
May you and those you love be safe, strong, and healthy today and in this new year. Thank you for helping us to realize the vision that none of us are home until all of us are home.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Joan, Mary, and the entire Project HOME community
